Mobile device transfer station

ABSTRACT

Among other things, embodiments of the present disclosure facilitate the transfer and reconditioning of mobile computing devices. Various embodiments can receive and store mobile computing devices, perform a variety of tests and analyses on such devices, remove or backup the user&#39;s data from the mobile device, and configure the device for resale or reuse by other users.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/147,531 filed Apr. 14, 2015 and entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED PROCESSING OF MOBILE DEVICES AT A POINT OF RETURN ACCEPTANCE,” and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/127,659 filed Mar. 3, 2015 and entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TESTING AND SOFTWARE REFURBISHMENT OF MULTIPLE DEVICES CONNECTED TO A COMPUTER OR HUB,” and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/121,416 filed Feb. 26, 2015 and entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR QUICK CHARGING MULTIPLE DEVICES CONNECTED TO A COMPUTER OR HUB,” each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/660,736 filed Mar. 17, 2015 and entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING OPERATIONAL DISRUPTIONS IN MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICES,” which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/587,855, filed Aug. 16, 2012 and entitled “System and Method For Identifying Problems Via A Monitoring Application That Repetitively Records Multiple Separate Consecutive Files Listing Launched Or Installed Applications,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/575,140 entitled “Enhanced System And Method For Identifying Software-Created Problems And Operational Disruptions In Mobile Computing Devices With Cellular Connections (Smart Phones),” filed on Aug. 16, 2011, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Often, transferring data in phones can be very cumbersome. In particular, modern phones may hold multiple gigabytes of data comprising pictures and other graphical representations, address records, emails, documents, and other data. A lot of overhead going through the applications creates a data bottleneck for service stations and other stores that offer such data transfer services.

FIG. 1 shows two typical telephone/PDA device data transfer stations. In FIG. 1A, transfer station 100 has a phone data transfer machine (PDTM) 110, typically a PC with USB and Bluetooth connectivity running phone data transfer applications such as PC Suite, PC Tools and other phonebook transfer applications, which typically may connect to two handsets: originating handset 101 and a receiving handset 102. Said connections are typically made via USB cables 103 or custom cables 104. Each phone has its own operating system with software 101 a and 102 a, respectively, and data sets 101 b 1-n and 102 b 1-n, respectively. This data may contain a variety of information, including, but not limited to, address book data, phone numbers, email addresses, pictures, video clips, and other types of data that may be used by cell phones and their applications. In some cases even the applications installed on the phone and/or the application data may be transferable. Typically, machine 110 would have its own operating system 110 a, which has multiple programs 110 b. Often, machine 110 with operating system 110 a and programs 110 b is actually a custom, dedicated PC, and as such it has to contain drivers or DLLs 110 c for all the phones to which it may be connected. As a result of having a large library of DLLs (or drivers, used interchangeably here) almost any data transfers between two different phones can work. The machine can, by using the DLLs, communicate and download the data objects (each item typically comes down as one or more data objects from the phone), which are then stored in machine 110 temporarily and eventually sent on to the other phone, as its data objects, using the matching DLL. Each of these devices has a CPU and memory, both volatile and nonvolatile, and thus each forms a small, distinct computing device.

FIG. 1b shows another type of known data transfer station 120. Copy machine 121 has only one connector. It is first plugged into the originating machine 101, using connection 105, via which connection the data is transferred into machine 121. Then the receiving device 102 is connected by a cable connection 106 (dotted) in a second step, and that connection is used to transfer the data from machine 121 to phone 102. Again, these devices have operating systems, programs, and DLLs, as described above in the discussion of FIG. 1A.

A large cost is inflicted on cellular network operators by the user practice of returning devices for repair or exchange that are not actually defective. There are several reasons for this problem: some operating intermittencies may not be caught during in store testing of a defective device, or the problem may be caused by peripheral devices that are not returned with the supposedly faulty phone. A large portion of the problem may be attributed to user configuration errors, network configuration errors, or user software add-ons that are installable in the phone but may not be completely compatible with the particular phone set up and its particular network. Only a small fraction of returns are due to actual failure of the hardware. However, efficient and expedient repair of handsets is very important, because the cost of each handset repair affects the final profitability of an operator. One of the most important aspects of handset repair is efficiently achieving a specific level of program and data sets in a repaired handset.

In some cases, more thorough diagnostics of devices with problems are needed than the diagnostics that are available currently. These diagnostics should not merely rely on internal functional diagnostics, but they should also include hardware configuration diagnostics, program configuration diagnostics, and network configuration diagnostics; and they should also look for other factors, including but not limited to program compatibility issues.

Often, the exchange of data objects between different phones is desired or required. Some phones do not support such a feature; other phones have a very limited ability in this regard. For example, such phones may allow exchange of an object such as a business card, but do not support exchange of photos, videos or other larger graphic images.

In some cases wired telephone connections may be difficult or impossible due to defective connectors, unavailable infrastructure, etc.

Some telephone devices are notoriously difficult to access with an in-store diagnostic device, be it wirelessly or via wired connection. In the context of universal serial bus (USB) devices, the manufacturers are supposed to use vendor ID (VID) and product ID (PID) numbers to distinctly identify every product.

These VID/PID numbers are often also used in other connectivity schemes, including but not limited to Bluetooth (BT), local area network (LAN) and over the Internet. These access problems occur due to various legitimate or not-so-legitimate reasons, and more frequently, device manufacturers either re-use the same VID/PID numbers for different devices to save money on registration fees, or in other cases, a fly-by-night garage-style manufacturer clandestinely produces a series of few hundred or a few thousand devices and then closes up shop. This is often because such phones infringe copyrights or other intellectual property, pretending to be brand-name manufacturers' phones, but using different components, such as chips. Despite these problems, it is sometimes desirable for an operator, such as, for example, an independent store operator, to provide service nevertheless, doing so to maintain good customer relations, rather than to rebuff or annoy a customer.

In many cases, it is desirable to back up the data on a mobile communication device with a back-up device that does not require a connection to a standard computer, such as, for example, the exemplary computer of FIG. 7. For example, when a person with a mobile communication device is traveling away from the office, sometimes it is necessary or desirable to travel without a computing device such as a laptop computer; however, a person may still need to back up the data in his or her mobile communication device.

Often in some settings, such as quality control, mass reprogramming, or incoming materials check, it is necessary to run multiple devices, such as smartphones or tablets, at the same time. Depending on the situation, the batteries of these devices may be mostly or completely exhausted. Because many of the newer devices require upwards of 2 amperes (A) of charge current, often as much as up to 3 A, normal hubs or computers can not deliver sufficient power for multiple devices.

Some exemplary embodiments described herein provided for mobile devices to be collected and processed. However, in some cases, the devices being processed may still be locked when the processing begins, and the user is not available to provide unlocking information. In other cases, by the time a mobile device is received and shipped to a centralized processing facility (which can sometimes take weeks), the device may have dropped in value (up to 50 percent per week, in some cases). For example, when a new model of a particular device is released, the value of the old model may drop immediately and precipitously. Thus such a prolonged processing time may create substantial damages to the entity holding the inventory. Accordingly, alternate embodiments of the present disclosure may be incorporated into stores and other locations to receive used mobile devices, perform a variety of tests and analyses on such devices, remove or backup the user's data from the mobile device, and configure the device for resale or reuse by other users.

SUMMARY

A mobile device transfer station system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a body having a plurality of compartments, wherein each respective compartment is adapted to receive and retain a respective mobile computing device, and wherein each respective compartment includes a respective connector for electrically coupling to the respective mobile computing device. The system further includes a control system comprising: a processor; and memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the control system to automatically: detect electrical coupling, to the control system, of a first mobile computing device retained in a first compartment of the body via a first connector in the first compartment; retrieve data from the first mobile computing device via the first connector; analyze the retrieved data; and configure the first mobile computing device based on the analysis of the retrieved data, wherein configuring the first mobile computing device includes: storing content from the first mobile computing device in a data repository in communication with the control system; and erasing the content from the first mobile computing device.

The present disclosure includes various methods, apparatuses (including computer systems) that perform such methods, and computer readable media containing instructions that, when executed by computing systems, cause the computing systems to perform such methods.

Other features will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an exemplary conventional telephone/PDA device data transfer station;

FIG. 2 an example of a typical telephone/personal data assistant (“PDA”) device data transfer station which can be utilized with the system and method according to the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary process for data transfer;

FIG. 4 shows an overview of an exemplary transfer station;

FIG. 5 shows a simplified overview of an exemplary testing system;

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary process for implementation of system test software;

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary overview of a computer system as may be used in any of the various locations throughout disclosed system.

FIG. 8 shows a more detailed overview of an exemplary system similar to typical telephone/PDA device data transfer stations;

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary process for implementation of enhanced system test software;

FIG. 10 shows a simplified overview of two phones that are communicating with each other, according to one embodiment of the disclosed system;

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary process of the interaction between the two phones according to one embodiment of the disclosed system;

FIG. 12 shows a block diagram illustrating a transfer station;

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary process for discovering the actual identity of a telephone device;

FIG. 14 shows an overview of an exemplary table;

FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B illustrate a system and method for exchanging drivers;

FIG. 16 shows an overview of an exemplary device according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein;

FIG. 17 shows an overview of device architecture;

FIG. 18 shows a detailed overview of an exemplary system for updating software in a device;

FIG. 19 shows a detailed overview of an exemplary system for updating software in a device;

FIG. 20 shows an exemplary process for backing up data from a mobile communication device;

FIG. 21 shows an enhanced system according to one aspect of the system and method described herein;

FIG. 22 shows a bus and interface system;

FIG. 23 shows an enhanced USB PCI card;

FIG. 24 shows an overview of an exemplary system for enhanced diagnostics;

FIG. 25 shows an exemplary process for implementation of the system according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein;

FIG. 26 shows an overview of the data flow as it is analyzed;

FIG. 27 shows an overview of an exemplary screenshot according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein;

FIG. 28 shows an overview of an exemplary screenshot according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein;

FIG. 29 shows an overview of an exemplary screenshot according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein;

FIG. 30 shows an overview of an exemplary screenshot according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein;

FIG. 31 shows an overview of an exemplary screenshot according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein;

FIG. 32 shows an overview of a system for identifying software-created problems and operational disruptions in smart phone computing devices and other mobile computing devices with cellular connections;

FIG. 33 shows an exemplary process for data retrieval and analysis by system software running on a computer or server;

FIG. 34 shows an overview of an exemplary system for reprogramming phones;

FIG. 35 shows an exemplary process for programming any one of multiple phones; and

FIG. 36 shows an exemplary process for creating a phone reprogramming package.

FIG. 37 shows an exemplary overview of a system for routing calls according to one embodiment;

FIG. 38 shows an overview as an example of use of the system and method disclosed herein according to one embodiment, wherein a customer with a device goes to a customer service location;

FIG. 39 shows an exemplary process for diagnostic services at a call center, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 40 shows an exemplary process for customer service at a telephone diagnostic location, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 41 shows an overview of an exemplary system according to one embodiment;

FIG. 42 shows a simplified view of the interface board of a charger according to one embodiment;

FIG. 43 shows an exemplary overview of the subroutines in a microprocessor, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 44 shows an exemplary process in an INIT module as it relates to a UART module, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 45 shows an INIT module, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 46 shows a DETECT module, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 47 shows a branch of the DETECT module;

FIG. 48 shows another branch of the DETECT module;

FIG. 49 shows a SYNC module, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 50 shows a CHARGING module M4, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 51 shows a UART module, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 52 shows a TIMER module M6, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 53 shows an initialization procedure according to one embodiment;

FIG. 54 shows an overview of an exemplary test system, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 55 shows an exemplary process of a typical workflow, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 56 shows a lateral view of an exemplary new testing, charging, and reprogramming unit, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 57 shows a side view of an exemplary new testing, charging, and reprogramming unit, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 58 shows a schematic view of a typical seven-port USB hub;

FIG. 59 shows a schematic view of an exemplary hub system, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 60 is a view of an exemplary USB cable unit; and

FIG. 61 shows three alternative configurations of an exemplary tray;

FIG. 62 shows an overview of an exemplary multi-device tower, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 63 shows a detailed image of an exemplary device drawer, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 64 shows a block diagram of an exemplary system according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 65 shows an exemplary process according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Today large volumes of mobile devices, such as cellular telephones, tablets, etc., are recycled and often refurbished. As part of the process, they need to be inspected, catalogued, cleaned of user personal identifiable information (PII) or user data, and applications installed, as well as updated to the most recent operating system (OS) and applications (apps) as required by the customer. Then these devices can be resold to new users.

Currently, this refurbishing process requires multiple steps on different, specialized workstations, and such a multi-step process requires lots of manual interaction, which is both error-prone and expensive.

The system and method described herein is installed at a point of acceptance for devices that may be a store selling new devices, or it may be a dedicated point of acceptance for returns, or any other similar, suitable location. At this point of acceptance the system can test devices for functionality, memory, model, current value, and other characteristics. Importantly, the system can determine a specific value for the returned device and immediately offer the owner that value for the device, to be applied to the purchase of another device, should the owner accept the offer. When, and if, the owner accepts the offer, the system can remove and secure the personal data from the old device and save it to a location from which the owner can load the data onto the selected replacement device. Then, in most cases, the system can process the device so that it is suitable, after being processed, to be offered as a replacement device to subsequent customers, requiring, additionally, only some cleaning and packaging with necessary accessories, such as, for example, a power supply, a charging cable, etc.

What is also needed is a system and method for tracking and detecting device failures, and by doing so analyzing the problems and detecting the incorrect return of hardware, thus reducing dramatically the overall cost of network operations.

Additionally needed is an enhanced system and method to collect information about faults and problems mostly created by misbehaving or malicious applications. However, any problems between applications and operating system, driver, hardware, other apps, or any combination thereof due to software incompatibilities of hardware or of software installed in said mobile computing device can be observed and recorded. Also needed is an enhanced system and method that not only takes into account statistical data collected from software recording, but further adds information gleaned from social networking sites, technical forum sites, etc., relevant to the specific models of mobile communication devices.

What is further needed is a system and method that allows data transfer between phones without requiring PDTMs such as 110 or 121, thus allowing the user to transfer data at his own pace and, if multiple transfers must be done, they can be done concurrently, because limited resources, such as copy machine 110 or 121, are generally not required.

Further, it is desired, that such a system operates cross-platform. For example currently, a Palm device can beam to another Palm device and a Nokia device can beam to another Nokia device, but currently a Palm device cannot beam to a Nokia device and vice versa, or to phones manufactured by any other manufacturer, by in large. Some exceptions exist within limited groups of some devices by different manufacturers that use same operating systems.

What is further needed is a system and method that, using a small, portable device such as a USB key, can create backups directly from mobile communication and personal computing devices.

What is additionally needed is a system and method for tracking and detecting device failures, and by doing so analyzing the problems and detecting the incorrect return of hardware, thus reducing dramatically the overall cost of network operations.

Additionally needed is a system and method for reducing the number of interactions required to take in, catalog, charge, test, clean of PII, and update OS and apps as needed.

In most cases, manufacturers need to preload client software to at least one if not both devices for a beaming operation to work. In an embodiment, the present invention does not require client software to be pre-installed. In this respect, the device containing the “old” data can be communicated with as if a computer is communicating with the device. This functionality is generally is supported on the mobile phone devices, even on older models, in their stock configuration without additional special purpose applications being installed. In an embodiment, the “old” phone is interfaced with using stock interfaces already on the phone, for example by an application installable on a PC that allows the PC to read from devices through a USB cable without first having to pre-install a client. Further, the wireless technology used by the device does not matter, as it can read can read from both CDMA and GSM phones, like the PC based tool.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a system 200 according to one embodiment of this disclosure. In this example, the receiving phone 202 may be connected, either by wired or wireless connection, to the originating phone 101, as indicated by connection lines 201 a-n. This connection could be via Wi-Fi ad hoc connection, Bluetooth connection, wired connection, or in some embodiments an over-the-air network connection. In an embodiment, the originating phone 101 has, as before, an operating system 101 a and a data set 101 b 1-n. The receiving phone 202 has the same software; however, additionally, the operating system 202 a contains applications 212 a-n, at least one of which (referred to herein as 212 x, not shown) is the copying software. This software may be, for example, downloaded from a network provider and installed in the phone or, in some embodiments, pre-installed in the phone by the manufacturer. More than one type of copying software may be required, depending on the various different phones involved in a transfer, but requiring only one application for a given new phone. Copying software 212 x has access to a complete set of drivers and DLLs 213 a-n, which drivers and DLLs may be required for various different phones. The complete library of drivers and DLLs may be pre-installed in the originating phone and updated through the Internet. In some embodiments, these drivers and DLLs 213 a-n may not be downloaded until phones 202 and 101 are paired, so that only the driver(s) and DLL(s) for the specific paired devices are downloaded. In other embodiments, some or all available drivers and DLLs may be downloaded, but some or all drivers and DLLs may be removed later to free up memory in the receiving device 202. As previously mentioned, devices such as phone 202, and optionally phone 101, are generally known as smart phone computing devices or other mobile Internet/computing devices, including, but not limited to, smart phones, tablets, etc. Typically these devices have a very powerful CPU, a relatively large amount of memory of different kinds (including but not limited to RAM, flash, removable media, etc.), input devices, display devices, speaker, microphone, and other such components and a software operating system 202 a, so that they are actually fully functional, hand-held computing platforms, with functionality limited only by their size and sometimes by restrictions of their operating system 202 a. In some embodiments, the copy software and adapted or simulated DLLs may be adapted to run on the phone's operating system (“OS”), and in other embodiments an additional OS that runs within a protected environment (similar to a virtual machine) but allows use of unmodified DLLs may be provided.

What is additionally needed is a system and method for processing devices at the point of acceptance and exchanging the device for another satisfactory, working device, so the customer leaves with the transaction fully executed. Further, a reduction of time spent by customer for the processing of the return device is needed.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary process 300 for data transfer according to one embodiment of the disclosed system. In step 301 the copy application is downloaded into a receiving phone such as phone 202. In this example, the download is via network 303 from data repository 305 that resides in server 304 and that contains copy applications for all supported phones. In step 302, DLLs are loaded into device 202, also from data repository 305 in server 304. As mentioned previously, this step may occur only after connection with an originating phone such as phone 101 is established. In step 306, the connection is established with originating phone 101. As previously described, this connection may be made via any of various types of connectivity means that are currently known in the art or that may in the future be developed and made publicly available. In all cases, the connection process would involve a confirmation or pass code, such as the process currently used for the connection of Bluetooth devices. In some cases, this connection would actually be between two Bluetooth devices, but in other cases a similar process could be emulated via the phone number and passwords over the network or over a physical wire. In step 308 the system tests the originating device 101 to determine its specific model. This testing typically requires some user approval 307 or a user action on the originating phone, either of which may also act as a privacy protection (sometimes it may be part of communication protocols, such as pairing of BlueTooth devices. etc.). Then typically the DLL 213 x for that specific model is loaded for use by the copying software 212 x. This DLL could be loaded from the library downloaded in step 302, or it could be requested from the data repository 305 via over-the-air network or other suitable connections. In step 309, the system downloads data from device 101. To the internal intelligence (software and firmware) of device 101, this process appears to occur just as if the device were connected to a computer. In step 310 the system then converts or adapts the downloaded data objects to the requirements of the receiving phone 202 by means of another DLL, which essentially mimics the process of the download to internal database 202 b 1-n. In step 311 the data is then downloaded into database 202 b 1-n. In step 312 the user is notified that the data download is complete, and in step 313 the process ends. Progress of the various procedures may be displayed to the user via progress bars on the display device of the receiving phone, showing the progress as a percentage of the overall process or as a percentage of a typical process. Such a progress display is commonly used and well known in computing devices.

FIG. 4 shows an overview of an exemplary station 400 similar to typical telephone/PDA device data transfer stations as are currently in use. In FIG. 4, phone data transfer machine (PDTM) 410 is typically a PC or other suitable computing device with USB and Bluetooth connectivity running phone data transfer applications such as PC Suite, PC Tools and other phonebook transfer applications, which typically may connect one or two handsets, such as the handset of a device under test (DUT) 401 as shown in FIG. 4. Said connections are typically made via USB cables 403 or custom cables 404 (not shown). Each phone has its own operating system with software 401 a and data sets 401 b 1-n. This data may contain all kinds of information, including, but not limited to, address book data, phone numbers, email addresses, pictures, video clips, and other types of data that may be used by cell phones and their applications. In some cases even the applications or the application data may be transferable. Typically machine 410 would have its own operating system 410 a, which has multiple programs 410 b, including a test application 410 b 1 (not shown separately). Often machine 410 with operating system 410 a and programs 410 b is actually a custom, dedicated PC, and as such it has to contain drivers or DLLs 410 c for all the phones to which it may be connected. As a result of having a large library of DLLs (or drivers, used interchangeably here) almost any data transfers between two different phones can work. The machine can, by using the DLLs, communicate and download the data objects (each item typically comes down as one or more data objects from the phone), which are then stored in machine 410 temporarily and eventually sent on to the other phone, as its data objects, using the matching DLL. It is clear that each of these devices has a CPU and memory, both volatile and nonvolatile, and thus each forms a small, distinct computing device.

FIG. 5 shows a simplified overview of an exemplary testing system 500, using the same DUT 401, according to one aspect. Here, rather than being connected to a hardware testing device, a test application 410 b 1 (not shown separately) may, for example, be downloaded over the network 502 from a server 504, or from its data repository 506. In some cases the PDTM 410 may tell the server 504 which device, identified by its ESN, IMEI, phone number, etc., should receive the application, as the network operator has the ability to send special system messages to remotely install software on devices.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary process 600 for implementation of the system test software. In step 601 the system downloads a monitoring application onto a target device. In step 602, the system obtains user permission to run the application. In addition to asking a simple Yes or No question, the system may require the user to enter a password, such an account password or the user password for this device, to verify that this is not an illegal attempt to install software on the device.

In step 603, the program starts to monitor user and device activities, including but not limited to such as cell changes, roaming table updates, installation and activation of software applications, installation and activation of plug-in software, phone calls, etc. Other monitored data includes a preferred roaming list (PRL), battery operation, temperature control, logging of RF signal in and out during various operations, etc. In some cases, it is also possible to obtain a precrash memory dump, which may be stored in the local storage 401 c of device 401. Local storage 401 c may be, for example, a segregated section of nonvolatile memory in the device, which would preferably survive a crash without losing data.

The monitoring application preferably repetitively writes a list of applications that were launched or installed to flash memory of the device in multiple consecutively written files. In an embodiment, the monitoring application repetitively writes the list of applications to three consecutively written files in the flash memory in the following manner. A first file is opened, data is written to the file, and the first file is closed. A second file is then opened, data is written to the file, and the file is closed. A third file is then opened, data is written to the file, and the file is closed. The process is then repeated, with the first file being opened, data written to it, the first file closed, and so on. If multiple files are used in this manner in an ongoing monitoring process, then it is much more likely that at least one of the files will be readable and not corrupted after an event such as when the user pulls the battery, when the user performs a hard reset, or the when the device crashes. Furthermore, a snapshot of the state of the device can be reconstructed from a combination of two or more of the multiple files after such event even if one of the files is corrupted by the event. In an embodiment, the monitoring application is configured to selectively upload the data files to a central data repository only when a Wi-Fi connection is available to the device so as not to incur data usage charges. This mode of operation is particularly useful where the user of the device does not have an unlimited data plan, and pays per-megabyte or per-gigabyte charges for data usage.

Also, in step 604 the system monitors the remaining capacity of local storage 401 c. When the storage 401 c reaches a preset threshold of occupied space (yes), it is considered full and the process moves to step 605, where the system now sends data to data repository 506 on server 504, from where it can be analyzed either automatically or on demand when a customer comes to a store or repair depot to complain about the phone. From step 605 or, if the local storage is not yet full (no), from step 604, the process moves to step 606. There, the system analyzes the data transmitted by the downloaded application and stored either in local storage 401 c or data repository 506. If the system does not detect a fault, the process loops back to step 603, where the system continues to monitor the device. If the system detects a fault or other relevant state or event (yes), the process moves to step 607, where the system sends a fault indication to data repository 506 of server 504. Server 504 may be running programs to respond to the fault indication by, for example, sending an email to the user of device 401 explaining the problem. A copy of this email may also be sent to the phone number's account log at the network operator's system, or, in other cases, only to the network operator's system. After the email is sent, the process loops back to step 603, where the system continues to monitor the device. By anonymizing certain data, abuses of the data may be reduced. Also, server 504 may keep a log of who has access to the phone data, who uses the data, and how it is used. These measures may reduce the incidence of unauthorized employee snooping into the phone usage of certain customers, such as, for example, celebrities. Further, statistical and multivariate analysis may be used to extract useful information, such as the fact(s) that visiting some web-sites, or installing and respectively running some software alone or in combinations, may cause instability. That information can be mined, and also used to alert users, for example by email, SMS or other suitable means, that after installation of a certain applications, for example, their phone may become unstable etc. Also, locations of unusually high frequency of dropped calls may be discovered, and countermeasures may be used, including but not limited to alerting the user that a femtocell at his home may help him avoid those dropped calls, or installing an auxiliary cell in a bend or hollow may solve the problems for cars driving through that location. In yet other cases, end of life of battery, or programs that drain batteries may be found and users alerted either obtain a new battery or turn off power hogging software. This allows the system to do some pre-emptive troubleshooting, reducing costs and making customers more satisfied with the service offerings.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary overview of a computer system 700 as may be used in any of the various locations throughout system 400. It is exemplary of any computer that may execute code to process data. Various modifications and changes may be made to the computer system 700 without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the current invention. CPU 701 is connected to bus 702, to which bus is also connected memory 703, nonvolatile memory 704, display 707, I/O unit 708, and network interface card (NIC) 713. I/O unit 708 may, typically, be connected to keyboard 709, pointing device 710, hard disk 712, and real-time clock 711. NIC 713 connects to network 714, which may be the Internet or a local network, which local network may or may not have connections to the Internet. Also shown as part of system 700 is power supply unit 705 connected, in this example, to ac supply 706. Not shown are batteries that could be present, and many other devices and modifications that are well known but are not applicable to the specific cases discussed herein.

FIG. 8 shows a more detailed overview of an exemplary system 800 similar to typical telephone/PDA device data transfer stations as are currently in use and are known to the inventor. In FIG. 8, testing computer 810 is typically a PC with USB and Bluetooth connectivity running phone data transfer applications such as PC Suite, PC Tools and other phonebook transfer applications, which typically may connect one or two handsets, such as the handset of a device under test (DUT) 801 as shown in FIG. 8. These connections are typically made via USB cables 803 (not shown) or custom cables 804 (not shown). Each phone has its own operating system with software 801 a and data sets 801 b 1-n. This data may contain various types of information, including, but not limited to, address book data, phone numbers, email addresses, pictures, video clips, and other types of data that may be used by cell phones and their applications. In some cases even the applications or the application data may be transferable. Typically machine 810 would have its own operating system 810 a, which has multiple programs 810 b, including a test application 810 b 1 (not shown separately). Often machine 810 with operating system 810 a and programs 810 b is actually a custom, dedicated PC, and as such it has to contain drivers or DLLs, data tables, and configuration data 810 ca-n for all the phones to which it may be connected. These data tables and configuration data also contain any known combination of programs and drivers, comprising combinations that are known to be functional, as well as the ones that are known to have problems. Thus the table can indicate the existence of problems. Further, enhanced test functionality is created by downloading an additional diagnostic program 802 that supports additional manipulation and tests beyond factory diagnostic program 801 in the device 401 under test. As a result of having a large library of DLLs (or drivers, used interchangeably here) almost any data transfers between two different phones can work. The machine can, by using the DLLs, communicate and download the data objects (each item typically comes down as one or more data objects from the phone), which are then stored in machine 810 temporarily and eventually sent on to the other phone, as its data objects, using the matching DLL. It is clear that each of these devices has a CPU and memory, both volatile and nonvolatile, and thus each forms a small, distinct computing device.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary process 900 for implementation of the additional enhanced system test software. In step 901 the diagnostic program is loaded into a PC, such as PC 810. In step 902 the driver for device under test is loaded, allowing connection between test computer 810 and DUT 401. In step 903 full access to DUT 401 is set up. In step 904 the enhanced diagnostics 802 are downloaded into DUT 401, which diagnostics permit access to data not normally available through previously known access methods for any of various reasons, including but not limited to security restrictions. In step 905 the full data and program map is downloaded into PC 801 from DUT 401. In step 906 the downloaded data is compared to a reference library that may reside in data repository 506 on server 504, or it may be downloaded from a source via the Internet, or via a local intranet. This comparison shows which data from device 401 may be good and which data may have problems. In step 907 results of the comparison of step 906 are flagged with suggested corrections, such as, for example, removing certain programs, or updating or modifying certain configurations, or updating certain of the software or firmware of device 401 to ensure that the configuration of device 110 is functionally compliant with the most recent data stored in the data repository. In step 908, the system may offer an option of automatic reconfiguration. If the option is not offered or not accepted (no), the process moves to step 909, where it ends. If the option is offered and accepted (yes), the process moves to step 910, where the person executing the implementation of the system (process 900) is prompted on a per-item basis to accept updates and modifications. This manual, per-item selection of modifications is necessary because some modifications may cause loss of data and/or applications, which the user may be unwilling to endure. In step 911, the accepted modifications are executed, including configuring data, programs, and tables per user options. In step 912 the modified material is uploaded into DUT 401. Upon completing the uploading, the process moves to step 909, where it ends. These diagnostics with data table comparison capabilities may also have a reminder (“nag”) function that prompts the user to load updates that were not accepted in step 910. For example, a user may have been in a situation, such as a business trip, where he did not trust the connection, or the security, or he did not have time, or for some other reason he preferred to wait until a more convenient time and place. The system may also require an account password or other security mechanism to prevent unauthorized people from changing the DUT configuration. Logs of the functions may be transmitted to a server in the network operation center, allowing review of all past transactions by any technician who is attempting to assist the customer. Additional functionality that may be provided include features such as radio tagging, field strength and GPS tracking, or other add-ons.

It is clear that many modifications and variations of this embodiment may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the novel art of this disclosure. These modifications and variations do not depart from the broader spirit and scope of the invention, and the examples cited here are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. For example, the application for determining if a mobile phone device is defective can be loaded onto the device from another computing device either in the store or over the network. Such application analyzes for problems in at least one of hardware, software and configuration. Further, in some cases, such application may be downloaded from a computing device connected with a cable or a local area wireless connection. In other cases, it may be downloaded over the wireless wide area communication network, even at the service location, or anywhere else. In some embodiments, the application continues to run after the local test, and then subsequently transmits information about key events to a server on the communication network. In some embodiments, the application will request a user password to verify the user wishes to have it installed, and is the authorized user of the device. In some embodiments, the data transmitted reflects or describes at least one of the following types of events: crashes of the device, other application crashes or hang-ups, loss of signal, location, loss of battery power, loss of connection, user configuration changes, user application installation and removals, data synchronization, inserting or removing data cards. Such events are time stamped, and in case of a subsequent crash, the event log can be transmitted after the mobile device regains functionality.

What is needed is a system and method that allows the exchange of any kind of object between two phones, whether exchange is originally supported by these phones or not, in a secure and safe manner. Such an exchange may be accomplished, for example, over BlueTooth, infrared, or other connection types that are well known. As discussed above, the ability to insert diagnostic tools into a phone, and more specifically, the ability to insert software into a phone, is known to the inventors.

FIG. 10 shows a simplified overview of two phones, 1001 and 1011, that are communicating with each other, according to one embodiment of the current invention. Each phone 1001 and 1011 has its own store 1002 a-n and 1012 a-n, respectively, of software, such as, for example, programs. Similarly, each phone 1001 and 1011 has a set of data objects 1003 a-n and 1013 a-n, respectively. In the manner described above, the phone that is initiating communication, in this case phone 1011, is sending a diagnostic program, which in this example is a file plan for a utility, to phone 1001.

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary process 1100 of the interaction between the two phones, according to one embodiment of the current invention. The two communication streams are stream 1111 (for phone 1011) and stream 1101 (for phone 1001). In step 1121, the initializing phone (in this example, phone 1012) connects to the other phone (in this example, phone 1001). In step 1122, phone 1001 identifies phone 1011. In step 1123, based on the identification, an application that is suitable for the object phone 1001 is taken from the application store, which forms part of the program store 1012, and is transferred to phone 1001. Typically, the phone's security system asks the user to confirm this transfer, and upon acceptance, in step 1124, phone 1001 accepts and installs the application. That application may contain a key that sets up a trusted relationship between the two phones for the future, similar to the relationship between nodes in a home or workgroup network of computers. Different types of settings may be offered, such as, for example, “Always allow” or “Always ask” in the case of a request to transfer data. In step 1125, initiating phone 1011 sends a selected object to receiving phone 1001, and in step 1127, receiving phone 1001 receives the object. The user may be prompted to accept the object, particularly depending on the nature of the object. This process may continue until all desired objects are transferred. In some cases, the transfers may be bidirectional; in other cases, they are only unidirectional. Both phones end their communications in step 1129 and 1130, respectively, after which a new session must be started again from step 1121 to send more data. When the application is installed, depending on its permissions settings, it may remain in the phones and permit new connection for data transfers without reinstallation, or it may allow such connections only with user approval. However, in other cases, the application may be deleted after each session for purposes of security.

Further Enhanced Implementation

What is needed is a system and method that can transfer the data of either multiple devices simultaneously or one device on a one-to-one basis in sequence, using wireless connections and thus avoiding connection problems such as defective connectors, unavailable infrastructure, etc.

FIG. 12 shows transfer station 1200. Station 1200 has a phone data transfer machine (PDTM) 1210, typically a PC with USB and Bluetooth connectivity running phone data transfer applications such as PC Suite, PC Tools and other phonebook transfer applications, which typically may connect to two handsets: originating handset 1201 and a receiving handset 1202. These connections are, in some cases, typically made via any suitable wireless connection such as 1203 or 1204, including, but not limited to, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, or any other suitable wireless protocol, or over the wireless carrier network and via the Internet (not shown) to device 1210. For this purpose, device 110 may have one or more additional wireless interfaces (not shown for clarity). In some cases, these interfaces may reside in one or more access points (not shown) connected through a local area network (not shown). Also, device 1210 may, in some cases, support more than two sets at a time. Thus, a single device could support, for example, transfer between four pairs (i.e., total of eight devices, four old devices and four new devices). Each phone has its own operating system with software 1201 a and 1202 a, respectively, and data sets 1201 b 1-n and 1202 b 1-n, respectively. This data may contain all kinds of information, including, but not limited to, address book data, phone numbers, email addresses, pictures, video clips, and other types of data that may be used by cell phones and their applications. In some cases even the applications or the application data may be transferable. Typically machine 1210 would have its own operating system 1210 a, which has multiple programs 1210 b. in some embodiments, machine 1210 with operating system 1210 a and programs 1210 b is actually a custom, dedicated PC, and as such it contains drivers or DLLs 1210 c for all the phones to which it may be connected. As a result of having a large library of DLLs (or drivers, used interchangeably here) almost any data transfers between two different phones can work. The machine can, by using the DLLs, communicate and download the data objects (each item typically comes down as one or more data objects from the phone), which are then stored in machine 1210 temporarily and eventually sent on to the other phone, as its data objects, using the matching DLL. In various embodiments, each of these devices has a CPU and memory, both volatile and nonvolatile, and thus each forms a small, distinct computing device.

What is needed is a system and method that allows connection of telephone devices of unknown or questionable origin, with incorrect or spoofed VID/PID, and the ability to provide services such as data transfer, software repair of damaged flash, etc.

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary process 1300, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein, for discovering the actual identity of a telephone device, which actual identity may differ from the indicated identity of said device, and installing correct drivers for said device. A device under test (DUT) 401 is connected via a wired connection or wirelessly to system 1300. At step 1303 the system attempts to determine the ID of DUT 401, typically by determining the VID/PID from the USB or from the wireless plug ‘n’ plays used. In general, only a few actual distinct platforms of chipsets, symbolized as elements in list 1302 a-n, are widely used. Currently about seven main platforms are in use, including, but not limited to, platforms from chipset manufacturers such as MTK, Infineon, Motorola, Qualcomm, Nokia, etc. However, myriad variations are made in designing telephone or mobile computing devices using those chipsets, both in the chipsets from the chipset manufacturers mentioned above, as well in as custom modifications by handset manufacturers that add additional chips, software, and software modifications, resulting in a complex, vast array of combinations and permutations of the platform elements used in a device, sometimes within the same VID/PID. This VID/PID (referred to as ID here) is then compared to the contents of a look-up table 1304, where the device may be identified. Table 1304 is a part of a knowledge base (not shown), which contains various tables and data accessed by the system. If the look-up list does not return a conclusive ID result, meaning that more than one model and/or hand set manufacturer (HSM) are using it, the system then queries table 1305, which has multi-variant content. This is a list of devices that are known to have multiple variants. Also, in some cases, the system may prompt the user to enter additional information, or the system may send a query from server 1306. This server 1306 may be used, for example, as a common knowledge base for all or a group of service entities, such as, for example, within a certain store network, or provider network, to allow knowledge acquired at one entity to be shared among all entities. Queries to a user may include a request that the user manually enter an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, an electronic serial number (ESN), a serial number, or any other, similar type of marking on the device, as well as a model number from the device. However, as previously noted, some manufacturers may mark a device with a known model number, such as, for example, N95 from Nokia or the Apple iPhone model number, even though the device is not from the indicated manufacturer and is, in fact, a counterfeit device. Once the device has been identified, the system looks up its correct driver from a list of drivers in table 1307, and then in step 1308 it installs a low-functionality driver that can make additional queries into the handset's operating system in step 1309 for further identification of a HSM and model number. The results of these queries are applied to a second look-up table 1310 that lists of all the drivers. With the correct driver determined from table 1310, in step 1311 the system uninstalls the low-functionality driver and, in step 1312, it installs the correct driver.

FIG. 14 shows an overview of an exemplary table 1400, typical of tables 1304, 1307, or 1310. Table 1400 shows OEM IDs O1 through On 1402 a-n and model numbers M1 through Mn 1401 a-n. Thus a user or the system as disclosed herein may create a cross reference 1403 aa-nn from the OEM ID and the model numbers appearing within a certain VID/PID of that OEM. Some OEMs, for example, use the same VID/PID for several model numbers as they quickly change chip versions, but do not change the overall device architecture. However, different chip versions may have different functions and features, as well as different internal memory, and thus may need different diagnostic tools and/or different transfer tools to recover and transfer and reinstall the operating system, as well as applications, data, and user information, such as calendar, address book, images, video, etc. By providing this dynamic look-up and problem-management tool, the system can flexibly adapt itself.

FIG. 15 shows an additional aspect of the system and method disclosed here, namely, an innovation to speed up the process as, during the discovery of a device, multiple drivers may need to be exchanged, and that operation can take a long time using the typical plug ‘n’ play process. A new approach for exchanging drivers is herein proposed:

FIG. 15a shows an overview of a classic driver model 1500 as is well known in the art, with the application 1501 sitting on top of the driver 1502 and the OS 1503 sitting below, and the driver having the VID/PID and other interfaces to software and hardware plug ‘n’ play, etc., as indicated by elements 1504 a-n, and interfaces to the applications 1505 a-n.

FIG. 15b shows a novel approach 1510 for a driver stack layer view, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. Reinstalling the whole driver every time requires massive changes in the registry. In the novel approach of the system and method disclosed herein, for drivers that have the same VID/PID (or even different VID/PID in some cases), the driver is cut into three sections: application-facing 1511 (with subsections 1505 a-n)” the main body 1512 x (which can be now exchanged without requiring a reboot), and OS-facing section 1513 (with subsections 1514 xy out of 1514 aa-nn). In this embodiment, section 1511, which contains certain functional elements 1505 a-n of the driver, is now absorbed as part of the application 1501 and, as such, is no longer a part of the driver. Section 1512 x contains the remaining portions of the driver, which, in many applications, can be represented by a uniform driver that has a small footprint and can load relatively quickly. This novel approach no longer requires the loading of all functional elements in 1511 with its subsections 1505 a-n and 1512 x, which may require a long time to load, but only the uniform driver 1512 together with selected functional elements 1505 a-n in 1511 that are necessary to interface to a particular device. Not having to load unnecessary functions can save a significant amount of time. Further, section 1513 interfaces to the OS, and main driver section 1511 x can be easily interchanged with any of 1511 a-n (not shown), without requiring a reboot every time.

In some cases, the VID/PID is exchanged by writing directly into the registry, rather than by a full plug ‘n’ play installation. This novel approach has the advantage that the typical change time is now in the millisecond or low seconds range, instead of the tens of seconds typically required currently to uninstall and reinstall a driver. Because up to a dozen or two dozen drivers may need to be tested for a single a phone, the total time to test drivers could become a burden to a business if each uninstall and reinstall cycle of a driver takes up to a minute or longer.

FIG. 16 shows an overview of an exemplary device 1600 according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. Device 1600 is, in this example, a USB key 1601. Device-oriented port 1602 can accept a standard USB interface cable for connection from a small mobile communication device (not shown). Computer-oriented connector 1603 may plug into a computing device (not shown), such as the exemplary computer of FIG. 7 or any other, similar standard PC. Connector 1603 may, alternatively, plug into a USB power supply (not shown) to supply power to USB key 1601, if the communication device to which it is attached does not supply enough power. A user may press button 1604 to initiate operation of USB key 1601. (It is clear that button 1604 is exemplary only, and that any of various types of switches, buttons, toggles, keys, etc. may be used to initiate operation.) In some cases a medium for addition data storage may plug into slot 1605. USB key 1601 also has a small display 1606.

FIG. 17 shows an overview of device architecture 1700, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. Again, computer-facing USB connector 1603 is connected via USB cable 1711 to a computer 1712, of the type of complete computer system shown in FIG. 7. The unit 1601 contains, in this example, system on a chip (SOC) 1701. SOC 1701 contain a processor, some volatile memory, and some nonvolatile memory. The nonvolatile memory contains software 1710 a-n and additional modules described later. It is also used to store and/or to provide information such as address book data, pictures, music, or any other information useable on smart phone 1714, as well as the embedded operating system, and drivers and tables to communicate with a variety of different devices 1714. Device-facing interface 1602 is connected via USB cable 1713 to communication device 1714. Display 1606 may comprise just one LED, a multi-color LED, multiple LEDs, a small LCD, or any other, similar display type. The SOC 1701 has specific interfaces, such as 1706, to drive and/or interface with respective units, such as, in this case, display 1606 (and/or other output devices, such as OLEDs, LEDs, LCDs, etc.). Port 1705 serves for connecting additional storage, in this example, to slot 1605, which may accept a micro SD card 1708. Other interfaces may be supported as well, but are not shown for clarity. Button 1604 is also connected to the SOC via interface 1704; in a similar manner, computer-facing USB connector 1603 is connected to SOC 1701 through interface 1703. Internal memory 1706 contains at least a boot-strap software for SOC 1701. External, additional nonvolatile memory 1707, may contain additional code, drivers, etc., as described in the discussion of FIG. 18, following. Memory 1707 may or may not be present. In some cases, the system memory 1706 may have minimal capacity, and it may only transfer data between smart phone 1714 and computer 1712. In other cases, memory 1707 may have limited capacity, requiring the presence of external memory 1708 for full backups. In some cases, for example, without external memory 1708, device 1600 could back up only, for example, information about 100 contacts; whereas, the addition of external memory 1708 (for example, a flash memory card) would enable backup of all data in the communication device, including even pictures, music, and video. After connecting the device 1601 to phone 1714, and, if necessary, to a power source, such as computer 1712 (or in lieu, not shown, a USB battery pack) to power it up if no power is available from smart phone 1714, as indicated by lack of a light on display 1606, it is then used, as described throughout this disclosure.

FIG. 18 shows a detailed overview of an exemplary system 1800 for updating software in device 1601 to enable connecting it to a mobile communication device 1714 for which it does not have information, according to one embodiment of the system and method disclosed herein. In FIG. 18, computer 1712 is typically a PC with USB and Bluetooth connectivity running phone data transfer applications such as PC Suite, PC Tools and other phonebook transfer applications, which typically may connect one or two handsets, such as the handset of a device under test (DUT) 1714 as shown in FIG. 18. These connections are typically made via USB cables 1711 and 1713. Computer 1712 has its own operating system 1802 with software 1803 a-n and data sets or embedded operating systems 1804 a-n (not shown) for execution on SOC 1701 in device 1601. This data may contain all kinds of information, including, but not limited to, address book data, phone numbers, email addresses, pictures, video clips, and other types of data that may be used by cell phones and their applications. In some cases even the applications or the application data may be transferable. Typically computer or machine 1712 would have its own operating system 1802, which has multiple programs 1803 a-n, including a probing/programming application 1803 x (not shown separately).

Often computer 1712 with operating system 1802 and programs 1810 b (not shown) is actually a standard PC, and as such it often has lots of other, not relevant software as well. It can combine DLLs, data tables, and configuration data 1804 aa-nn for most phones 1714 to which it may be connected via unit 1601. These data tables and configuration data also contain an identification of combinations of programs and drivers that are known to be functional, as well as combinations that are known to have problems. Thus the table can indicate the existence of problems. If a driver is not supported, a new configuration is prepared and loaded into device 1601, as described later in more detail. Operating system 1710 a of unit 1601 is typically an embedded type, such as Unix, Linux or some other, similar embedded, dedicated system. It uses certain programs 1710 b a-n, and they use drivers or driver tables 1710 c a-n. Driver tables, in this example, enable a device to use a formulaic driver, instead of a device-specific driver, said formulaic driver using tables and scripts that provide the actual driver functions for the specific device. Thus a single software instance may offer drivers for a variety of devices. However, no matter how diligently a formulaic driver is designed, the number of drivers in the device may be limited by the capacity limitations of memories 1706 and 1707. Additionally, as novel smart phones 1714 appear in the market that are not supported by the existing drivers 1710 c a-n. Computer 1712, which connects via cable 1711 to unit 1601, has its own operating system 1802, typically a Windows or Linux operating system, and it has an application 1803 x that contains an enclosed environment 1803 y that can assemble and create new operating environments for unit 1601, including but not limited to the embedded operating system and its drivers. Thus computer 1712 creates a new image in its internal memory 1810, and then the image is transferred to a flash memory, such as, for example, external memory 1708 in unit 1601, and from there the internal memory 1706 (not shown here) can be used to reprogram itself and/or internal memory 1707 (not shown here, but shown in FIG. 17). This image transfer and reprogramming enables the system to very easily reprogram the firmware in USB key 1601 to adapt to new devices that have not previously been supported. Computer 1712, in turn, can connect via Internet 1801 to expert system as explained in the discussion of FIG. 13, previously, at step 1303, which has access to all the databases of all the drivers and formats for connecting to devices. To identify new communication devices, such as device 1714, the system can switch unit 1601 into transparent mode, enabling the more powerful software in computer 1712 to probe device 1714, to determine its model and possibly the parameters needed to parameterize new drivers. The system can then store those new drivers and/or tables in tables 1804, report them back to 1303 for its database, and then recreate a new environment in memory 1810 that can be reflashed into key 1601, which from now on can service device 1714 independently, without connecting to computer 1712. In some cases, however, key 1601 may still need a power supply device, such as a USB battery, to supply power if the device 1714 cannot supply sufficient power to operate the processor 1701 and other items in key 1601. Further, in cases where no suitable driver and or table is present, by downloading an additional diagnostic program 1803 z (not shown separately) that supports additional manipulation and tests beyond programs already present in 1803 a-n and/or drivers and tables in 1804 aa-nn, newer smart phones can be added to the capabilities of device 1601. As a result of having a large library of DLLs (or drivers, used interchangeably here) almost any data transfers between two different phones can work. The computer 1712 can, by using the available drivers and tables, communicate via device 1601 with smart phone 1714 and test download of data objects (each item typically comes down as one or more data objects from the phone), and thus identify the correct combination, which is then stored in memory 1810 of computer 1712 temporarily and eventually sent on to device 1601, as described later, enabling it to connect the phone 1714 by itself, for backing up data objects, without use of a computer 1712. Each of these devices may have a CPU and memory, both volatile and nonvolatile, and thus each can form a small, distinct computing device.

FIG. 19 shows an exemplary process 1900 for updating software in a device 1601. In step 1901, the system switches unit 1601 to transparent mode. In step 1902, computer 1712 probes mobile communication device 1714 (via device 1601, which is now transparent) to determine its model and possibly the parameters needed to parameterize new drivers. In step 1903 the system looks up the identity and drivers of device 1714 on both local computer 1712 and a remote expert system, as explained in the discussion of FIG. 13, previously, at step 1303. In step 1904, the system creates a new embedded operating system for device 1714 with drivers 1710 a-n. In step 1905, the system switches unit 1601 to programmable mode, and in step 1906, it then transfers the newly created operating system and drivers to unit 1601. In step 1907, the device 1601 is reflashed, meaning that part or all of the content of the software section of one or more of its nonvolatile memory units (typically, but not always flash memory) is reprogrammed with the downloaded data from step 1906, making the change definitive. In step 1908, the system restarts the operating system of unit 1601, and then the process terminates.

FIG. 20 shows an exemplary process 2000 for backing up data from a mobile communication device, such as device 1714, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. In step 2001, unit 1601 is begins operation. In step 2002, unit 1601 determines whether it contains information about the identity of device 1714. If it does not (no), the process moves to step 2003, where it displays a message indicating that it cannot identify device 1714. In step 2004, unit 1601 checks to determine whether it is connected to a computer, such as computer 1712. If it is not (no), unit 1601 displays an error message and the process moves back to step 2001, as it has no useable input (besides power) or output to perform any tasks. In some cases, it may wait for user input before continuing back to step 2001. If in 2004, unit 1601 detects that it is connected to a computer (yes), the process moves to step 2006, where the system executes process 1900, described above, and the process ends at step 2007. If in step 2002, unit 1601 determines that it does contain information about the identity of device 1714 (yes), the process moves to step 2008, where unit 1601 displays a message asking the user to choose whether to back up data from device 1714 (A) or restore data to device 1714 (B). If the user elects to back up data, in step 2010 unit 1601 backs up data from device 1714 and the process ends at step 2007. If the user elects to restore data, unit 1601 restores data to device 1714 and the process ends at step 2007.

It is clear that many modifications and variations of this embodiment may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the novel art of this disclosure. For example, the device 1601 may be used with computers 1712 that do not have special software installed by mimicking a flash USB drive, and enabling them to exchange information by reading and writing both by the computer 1712 and processor 1701 to and from that drive. In some cases, the drive may present a section with software that can be installed on a guest computer 1714. In yet other cases, the device 1601 may present itself as both a USB drive and a CDROM with auto-launch, to install software, or to connect to a Website, from which software can be downloaded and installed etc. These modifications and variations do not depart from the broader spirit and scope of the invention, and the examples cited here are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Enhanced Production System

What is needed is a system and method that enables the parallel programming of many handsets. One of the biggest problems is that the USB connection used by most software for reprogramming handsets has largely unknown limitation: At any given time only one USB device is connected to the host controller and thus to the host. Therefore, if a USB device sends a request while the host is talking to another USB device, that request may be lost. Generally, the device is expected to re-transmit by itself, which is not a problem in normal operating mode; however, often during reprogramming only a very reduced, basic I/O system is available, akin to a bootstrap ROM with very limited capabilities. As a result, if multiple handsets or mobile communication devices, both of which in this example are USB devices, are programmed concurrently, often some “hang up” and the process must be restarted. This hang-up and the associated loss of time and productivity is the result of lost communication packets between the host and the (mobile communication) device being reprogrammed. The way to avoid these frequent packet losses and restarts is to give each USB device its own USB tree with its own USB host controller. The host controller is then dedicated to that device only, and it has the ability to buffer commands before they continue to travel through the PCI bus and into the CPU.

FIG. 21 shows an enhanced system 2100, according to one aspect of the system and method described herein. System 2100 has a PC 700 (similar to the computing system described in the discussion of FIG. 7), which has an additional enhanced PCI bus/motherboard. Two PCI bridges 2102 a and 2102 b expand the number of available slots for USB peripheral devices such as mobile communication devices, providing up to 18 such slots. Such computers with up to 18 slots are manufactured for uses such as co-location by telephone companies. For example, 16 USB cards, each of which can handle four phone lines at a time, could be plugged in.

In the case of the system and method disclosed herein, a multitude of PCI cards may be plugged into the available PCI slots 2102 a and 2102 b, such as, for example, PCI card 2206, shown in FIG. 22. That PCI card 2206 has a typical PCI USB controller chip 2201, which on one side connects to the PCI bus 2103. In this example, PCI card 2206 also has five USB ports, 2205 a-n. Typical for PCI cards are five USB ports, one USB host controller 2202 for USB 2.0, and one or two host controllers for USB 1.0 hubs 2203 a, and in some cases 2203 b. Two USB 1.0 hubs are necessary because in USB 1.0 architecture, each node typically can only address four nodes, and because the card has five ports, at least one port must be addressed by a separate host controller. Cross-matrix 2204 enables the correct connection and selection of the active port(s) to the respective host controllers. Because this exemplary PCI USB controller chip 2201 has two USB 1.0 host controllers, in the case of programming mobile communication devices 2210 a-n, which use USB 1.0, two such devices can be programmed concurrently, as long as each device connects to its own host controller 2203 a or 2203 b. This approach avoids the loss of communication packets. Because in that configuration, once installed and set up, cross matrix 2204 does not change, it therefore maintains a dedicated connection from each device 2210 to each host controller 2201.

FIG. 23 shows an enhanced USB PCI card 2301, which has its own PCI-to-PCI bridge 2102. It creates an internal PCI bus 2303, on which multiple PCI USB controller chips 2302 a-d are shown. (Typically a PCI segment is limited to four loads.) Each PCI USB controller chip could, using the same architecture described in above in the discussion of FIG. 22, provide two active ports, 2305 a-n, thus supporting connection of up to eight USB devices (mobile communication devices), such as devices 2210 a-n, to one PCI card. Using this type of card, the capabilities of even a standard office computer, for example, with typically four to six available PCI slots, can be extended. The upper limit of the total number of USB devices in a system is currently 127. Because the motherboard typically contains three to five USB devices and each USB host controller, such as 2202 or 2203, count as one as well, each PCI USB controller chip uses three USB identifiers for itself, limiting the total number available for external USB devices. Also, often system peripherals, such as a sound card, web cam, keyboard, mouse, etc. may be connected through a USB hub and therefore further reduce the number of available USB identifiers. All these uses of USB identifiers must be taken into consideration when calculating how many mobile communication devices can be handled simultaneously by one computer.

FIG. 24 shows an overview of an exemplary system 2400 for enhanced diagnostics according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. The devices under test (DUTs) are client devices 2401 a and 2401 b. DUT 2401 a connects to the Internet 2410 via wireless connection (over a network, not shown). DUT 2401 b is connected to a computer 2402. Software instances 2421 a and 2421 b are testing DUTs 2401 a and 2401 b, respectively. Also, software 2422, such as interconnectivity software or a special driver, may reside the desktop computer 2402. Between Internet 2410 and load balancer 2405 is a firewall 2409. Often the firewall and the load balancer may be combined. Also shown is a main diagnostic server 2406, which in this case is exemplary of one or more servers. Server 2407 manages a diagnostic database. All servers 2406 and 2407 contain, respectively, software 2436 and 2437. Similarly, customer (i.e., carrier) systems 2408 a-n contain software instances 2438 a-n. Diagnostic server 2406 may download diagnostic and background data as well as any other related data into server 2404, which may be a local server in the domain of a network provider. Server 2404 contains software 2424, which is a partial or full copy of the system and/or the data downloaded from server 2406, or any of its connected servers. Administration console 2403 may connect to one or more server(s). Typically, console 2403 would not require special software to connect to said server(s), because web interface software could be used, requiring only a web browser. In some cases, however, special client software (not shown) may be downloaded from one of the servers, or a special browser plug-in may be downloaded to enhance performance and reduce overhead during operations.

FIG. 25 shows an exemplary process 2500 for implementation of the system according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. In step 2501, the user launches the diagnostic application and screen 2511 opens, wherein the user may select from a list the particular application with which he needs help. In step 2502 the system checks if there is an item in the list on the screen, and may have an “Other” field in the list, or in a different menu for the problem application. If not, in step 2503 the system asks the user what the problem is. If it turns out to be that the application exists, the system branches to step 2505. If there is no app, the process continues to step 2504, where it suggests analysis steps outside the automatic venue. The system then continues on to step 2507, where it performs a soft reset of the device. In step 2505, the system updates the problem app. If the problem is solved, the process moves to step 2513, where the system sends the results to the knowledge database. If the problem is not solved, the process moves to step 2506, where the system deletes the application and checks whether the problem is solved. If yes, the process moves to step 2513. In those cases, the offending App can be deleted as part of a trial remedy to resolve an error. If after deletion it was found the App was not part of the problem, then the App would need to be restored. Data backup and subsequent restore could for example, and may be employed in several sections and not necessarily as in this exemplary order. If the problem is not solved, the process moves to step 2507, where the system performs a soft reset of the device. If the problem is solved, the process again moves to step 2513; if the problem is not solved, the process moves to step 2508, where the system performs a data backup and then moves to step 2509, where it updates the device firmware. If the problem is solved, the process moves to step 2511, where the system restores the data; if the problem is not solved, the process moves to step 2510, where the system performs a hard reset. If the problem is solved, the process moves to step 2511, where the system restores the data; if the problem is not solved, system notes the failure but still moves to step 2511 and restores the data. After restoring the data in step 2511, the system in step 2512 suggests a visit to a repair center, and again in step 2513 sends all results, via either wired or wireless communication means, back through the cloud to the knowledge database.

FIG. 26 shows an overview of the data flow 2600 as it is analyzed. The initial “eTicket” data 2603 (electronic Ticket or error report) is analyzed in the device 2401 a or 2401 b respectively by some local software. If that software cannot determine the nature of the problem, the investigation is escalated to the field knowledge database 2602. If that examination does not yield a clear conclusion, the device log data 2601 is pulled into the main diagnostic server 2406 and further analyzed there.

FIG. 27 shows an overview of an exemplary typical screenshot 2700, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein, which screen would appear in response to a user request for troubleshooting assistance or in response to a data analysis software conclusion that a problem exists. Screenshot 2700 offers the user a selection of options 2701 a-n for investigation. For example, if the user selects option 2701 a, the battery issue, another screen opens, as shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 28 shows an overview of an exemplary typical screenshot 2800, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. At the top of the screen is an array 2801 of basic information about the device and its functions, such as, for example, its network and its battery. A list 2802 of functions that use battery power and that may be enabled or disabled is presented. Also shown is an option to control brightness level in bar 2803. Screen timeout selections 2804 let the user select the duration of screen illumination after any activity. One or more button(s) 2805 let the user move to the next step in the process. Additional buttons (not shown) may let the user test new settings or selection other options.

FIG. 29 shows an overview of an exemplary typical screenshot 2900, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein, which may open if the user selects a GPS option. Screenshot 2900 shows a map of a selected area. Again, array 2901 shows basic information about the device and about this particular function. Map 2902 shows the selected map, with face icon 2903 representing the user's location and star 2904, the desired destination, typically in this use, the nearest available service location.

FIG. 30 shows an overview of an exemplary typical screenshot 3000, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein, which shows the user that the diagnostic program recommends a firmware upgrade. Again, array 3001 shows basic information about the device and about this particular function. Message 3002 informs the user of the recommended action and give some of the findings of the diagnostic software, and button 3003 prompts the user to start the recommended action. Starting a firmware upgrade may include such system actions as checking that reception quality is adequate, that the user is not driving or flying, that battery level is adequate to complete the task without crashing during the process, and that there is enough space in the device's flash storage to ensure that user information is not overwritten. In some cases, the system may back up user information over the network before beginning the upgrade.

FIG. 31 shows an overview of an exemplary typical screenshot 3100, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein, of the type that the system may display to the user on the device during the firmware upgrade. Graphic 3101 indicates that new firmware is moving onto the device, while progress bar 3102 shows the user the progress of the operation.

FIG. 32 shows an overview of a system 3200 for identifying software-created problems and operational disruptions in smart phone computing devices and other mobile computing devices with cellular connections, such as, for example, tablets, etc., according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. However, mobile devices with any type of data connection (cellular, WiFi, bluetooth or other wireless communications) should be considered possible devices upon which to use the systems and methods described herein.

The system comprises social networking sites SNa-SNn 3201 a-n and technical forum sites FSa-FSn 3202 a-n, all of which sites may be searched by a type of web-site scanning software known in the art as a “spider.” In this example, two different spiders SN 3203 and FN 3206 search the two types of sites 3201 a-n and 3202 a-n, respectively, because each spider has been optimized to search its respective type of site. Thus spider 3203 is optimized to search social networking sites 3201 a-n, which sites may include, but are not limited to, such social networking sites as Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, LinkedIn, etc. Similarly, spider 3206 is optimized to search technical forum sites. Spider 3203 has a list 3204 of sites to visit and a list of templates 3205, each template being designed for a particular site or site subset to optimize the extraction of data from each site. Extracted data is then stored in data store 3210. Similarly, spiders 3206 and 3209, which may be copies of essentially the same software running in different specialized configurations, or may be completely different versions, use site list 3207 and template set 3208, respectively. Both the list and the template set may be amended as needed over time, typically manually, although automatic amending of their data in whole or in part is contemplated within the scope of this invention. When data is collected in data store 3210, the system applies a filter 3211, which filter removes irrelevant data and organizes the relevant data by such criteria as phone make, model number, etc., creating a list of harmful combinations of model IDs, OS versions, and other device characteristics that in conjunction with one or more programs negatively impact the user experience. The organized data is then stored in data store 3212. In an embodiment, the system then can sort the data into types of faults and problems and try to identify software that users blame for operating faults and unsafe operations.

FIG. 33 shows an exemplary process 3300 for data retrieval and analysis by system software running on a computer or server, as described above and throughout, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. In step 3301 the system starts the scanning at a specified time. In some cases, the system may continually be scanning web sites; in other cases, the system may scan at preset intervals such as, for example, once a day, once a week, at particular times, or upon the occurrence of a particular event. Some web sites have rules about the specific number, size, and/or frequency of visits or downloads allowed to site scanning software or so-called robots, and these are typically specified in a robots.txt file at the root directory of a site or subsection. Such site-specific rules are recorded in templates 3205 and 3208. In step 3302, the system retrieves its lists 3204 and/or 3207 of sites to scan, and in step 3303 it applies the templates 3205 and/or 3208 to the listed sites.

With continued reference to FIG. 33, in step 3304, the system retrieves from data store 3350 a list of phones for which it should particularly look on the object sites. In an embodiment, this list is user-generated or based on error reports found at a scanning site, where incoming suspect devices are scanned for trouble. Further, in some cases, the list may be manually extended based on inquiries from field support, for example in stores, as well from reports in call centers, etc. The list may be updated whenever required automatically as reports about phones that are not yet listed as having problems reach a certain level or frequency, or manually when suggestions to add certain phones are made to the system operators. In step 3305 the system reads all the scan logs and extracts all the hits. In step 3306 the system applies filters, such as filter 3311. Various types of filtering criteria may apply; for example, responses that don't identify the problem phone specifically enough or snide comments and other inappropriate language may be removed. In step 3307 the system flags elements of interest for review. If the issue is clearly of interest (above a certain relevancy level) the system may book it directly. If the relevancy level is not high enough, but above a predetermined relevancy level so as to be of potential interest, in step 3308 the system presents the issue to a technician or other suitable person for manual review. In step 3309 the system operators review and resolve the presented issues, and in the 3310 the process ends, to begin again either immediately or as scheduled.

FIG. 34 shows an overview of a system 3400 for reprogramming phones according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. A mobile computing device or smartphone 3408 initially contains standard code 3409 and a storage 3410, such as, for example, a micro SD card. Device 3408 is connected to a network 3401 of a carrier. Typically, the phones can be activated by users by dialing a USSD (unstructured supplementary services data) number (or sequence) and entering some codes accordingly. Typically, a single USSD number connects to the carrier's activation number, and then once the connection is established, the USSD essentially establishes a two-way data connection, similar to a USB connection, over the air, enabling the phone to be reprogrammed under control of a server. Because the USSD number is entered like a number, it often is redirected by a DNIS (Dialed Number Identification Service) server, which resolves the destination number, for instance, server 3402, and then redirected to the USSD server. By using a specially for the purpose described herein setup, nonstandard USSD number or a nonstandard phone number, the initial dialed call or connection can be redirected to an external server such as 3404. That server contains multiple software applications, including an operating system, such as 3405 a-n, and other programs as described herein. Further, storage 3406 also contains objects 3407 a-n, where the objects are pieces and complete assemblies for over-the-air (OTA) programming of phones, as discussed throughout and later.

FIG. 35 shows an exemplary process 3500 for programming any one of multiple phones, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. In step 3501, a phone is turned on, and in step 3502, a “need to activate” message appears on the phone display. In step 3503 a user, who may be a technician or even an end user to whom a particular phone is or was assigned, further discussed herein, enters the special service number, which number may be, for example, a USSD number or a special phone number for activating the phone. By calling the number, an activation request is sent via transmission 3504 to USSD gateway 3505 for treatment. USSD gateway 3505 typically may be part of the cellular network DNIS server, such as server 3402 (not shown here). In some cases, USSD gateway 3505 may be a separate server, depending on the configuration of the carrier. The transferred request is then redirected via transmission 3506 to server 3404, which contains the OTA images, further discussed herein. In step 3507, the system prompts the user to enter an ID that contains the enterprise customer ID, the user ID, and/or the password. This data is sent via connection 3508, where the connection is typically as USSD type of connection, to server 3404. Server 3404 then delivers, via transmission 3509, the OTA image or package. In step 3510, the phone receives the OTA package (also referred to as a software module), where the package or module is typically a standard part of the basic phone setup. In step 3511, the package installation is executed. The type of installation may vary: it may be a simple overwrite of the ROM programming, or it may be a multi-step process that requires more than one reboot of the phone software. In one embodiment, this process continues largely unattended because the package may be put into the storage device of the phone (such as an SD card or other storage device commonly used in such phones), so that the phone may reboot several times without requiring user interaction. In step 3512, the phone is finally reprogrammed, having rebooted as many times as required, and in step 3513, the phone is ready for use. It is now programmed for its user, with password, account, etc., all preconfigured. The account may include setups for email, control, internal extensions and other customer phone book entries, and other, similar account data.

FIG. 36 shows an exemplary process 3600 for creating an OTA phone reprogramming package, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. Process 3600 may be applied to a single phone, multiple phones in one enterprise, or even multiple phones of multiple enterprises. In step 3601, the system is started. In step 3602, a user or technician selects a phone model. In step 3603, the programmer selects group data, which may include any data to be programmed on all the target phones of a group. Typically, such data, for an enterprise customer, could include an IP PBX extension for the enterprise, so the phone is an extension of the IP PBX. Such programming may require installation of additional software, as well as certificates or other credentials to access the particular phone switch. In step 3604, user data is either entered or selected. Individual user data could, for example, be provided by the technician to that package, often in a table or spreadsheet format that is automatically processed and then applied to the data on a one-package-at-a-time basis for the whole list or table. In step 3605, for each phone, a combination package is created, where the package contains one or more of the group data, the individual user data, the carrier data, and any other libraries or additional information needed or desired. In step 3606, that package is stored, with its credentials, in the storage unit of server 3404. This data in the tables or spreadsheets and thus the package with credentials now includes the ID and password described previously in the description of step 3507 of FIG. 35. The ID and password are used to indentify and to secure access to the package. In step 3607, one or multiple messages, such as, for example, message 3608, are sent to a technician who is charged with delivering or setting up the phones. The technician or phone user would then execute the process described in the discussion of FIG. 35, above. After delivery of the message, the process ends in step 3609. Both the package describe above, in the discussion of FIG. 36, and part of the program likewise described previously in the discussion of FIG. 35 are stored on server 3404 as part of the software mentioned in the discussion of FIG. 34, as programs 3505-x 1 through 3505-x 2, within the range a-n.

FIG. 37 shows an exemplary overview of a system 3700 for routing calls according to the system and method discloses herein, based on an automatic diagnosis performed as described earlier. Diagnostic system 2400 was discussed in great detail earlier, in and around the description of FIG. 24 and in other related parts, and databases 2601 and 2603 contain the results of the data collected by system 2400. Now if a user calls, for example, from any of devices 3711 a-n through an Internet and/or phone network connection 3710, such as a standard telephone network, the user ends up getting connected with router/switch 3712 that can route all sorts of phone calls and combinations of phone calls, such as, for example, analog phone calls, wireless phone calls, IP phone calls, and other, similar phone calls. Router/switch 3712 is controlled by processor 3714, which has storage 3715 and programs 3716 a-n, some of which are discussed further below. Also present, but not shown for reasons of clarity and simplicity, are a variety of interfaces to couple said router to all networks required to perform its tasks, memory to execute code for programs, operating system, etc., as well as input and output devices, etc. Programs 3716 a-n may include such software instances as an operating system, drivers, etc., as may be necessary to control the router/switch. Interactive voice response (IVR) software 3713 may be controlled directly by processor 3714 or through router/switch 3713. When calls arrive they are processed and then routed to call center 3720. There are many different call center topologies, but for purposes of clarity and simplicity in this discussion, any and all call center types are shown here only as exemplary cloud 3720. Call center stations 3712 a-n each typically have a workstation with communication and data display devices 3721 a 1 and 3721 a 2, and an agent 3721 a 3.

FIG. 38 shows an exemplary overview 3800 as an example of use of the system and method discloses herein, wherein a customer 3821 with a device 3822 goes to a customer service location 3820, such as, for example, a store. Said customer may speak to a store agent 3823, who may use a station 3824, which station may be any of a great variety of devices, such as, for example, a kiosk, a pad, a workstation, or any other such device. Alternatively, station 3824 may be designed so that the customer can use the station by himself, without help from any agent 3823, in a manner similar to self-service at, for example, an airport self-check-in station or a grocery self-service check stand. Such an approach may enable one agent 3823 to assist multiple customers, for example, five or even ten customers, at any one time. Station 3824 could typically be a complete computer with its own processor, local storage, memory, input/output subsystem, communication interfaces, etc., said interfaces coupled to a network, so station 3824 can access diagnostic system 2400 and access information stored on databases 2601 and 2603, looking up information for the customer's device 3822 and then delivering remedies.

FIG. 39 shows an exemplary process 3900 for diagnostic services at a call center, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. Incoming call 3901 is received in step 3902. In step 3903 the system checks for some customer identification. If the system does not detect any ID (−), the call is routed in step 3904 to the IVR system 3713, which queries the customer or the device itself for some identification, such as a phone number, an account number, etc. Upon receiving some ID in step 3904, or if the system receives an ID (+) in step 3903, the process moves to step 3905, where the system checks with main data repository 3920, or it may also pull from repositories 2601 and 2603, the event history of the device. In step 3906 the IVR offers any solution or solutions, based on information about the problem found and identified in the data repositories, or it may connect the caller to a specialist to help resolve the issue. Because each and all problems may have many different possible solutions or outcomes, they are all exemplarily shown as sections 3907 a-n, each of which may have multiple steps. At the end of all steps 3907 a-n, the call ends in step 3908. Step 8908 may also include a quality and satisfaction survey offered to the caller at the end of the call.

FIG. 40 shows an exemplary process 4000 for customer service at a telephone diagnostic location, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. Customer 4001 enters the location, and in step 4002, customer identity is determined, typically by his phone number, either by a service agent or technician 3823, or by the customer entering information at a self-service station 3824, as described above in the discussion of FIG. 38. The phone number is transmitted to data repository 3920 and/or databases 2601 and 2603. In step 4003, the phone number is used to retrieve the international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) of the phone. In step 4004, the IMEI number is used to retrieve problem solutions, based on known problems of identical or very similar phones. In step 4005, the system verifies with the user that the problem retrieved from the database is indeed the problem the user identifies. In step 4006, the system instructs the user to implement the solution(s) for the identified problem or calls a an agent for help, in cases such as, for example, where the device needs to be exchanged. Step 4006 may involve one or more of many various solutions, based on the verified problem. In step 4007, the process ends.

For problem-solving, a server may receive a code from a phone over a wireless connection before the user activates the phone. In response, the server may guide customer requests for service to an appropriate resource. If the customer requests help from a specialist, the customer may be transferred directly to a specialist group. Or the customer may be directed to a self-help resource where he can address the problem by himself. In some cases, the customer may go to a service location, where his phone number may be used to direct him to a local resource. At the service location, a local network may identify the customer, display a greeting on a video output device, and direct the customer to a local resource. The local resource may be a kiosk device connecting to the customer's phone either by wire or wirelessly, or it may be a queue for a local or remote specialist.

What is needed is a system and method by which sufficiently large currents can charge a large number of dead deices concurrently, thus enabling efficient mass processing of such devices in, for example, such situations as described above. Because even high-power hubs and computer boards typically limit the current to 2 A to 5 A total for all ports shared, an additional power source is needed. Further, a smart switch needs to be added, connecting the power leads of a connected device, commonly referred to as a device under test (DUT), to an external source, until the charge level has been reached for sufficient functionality to begin the test or use of said DUT.

FIG. 41 shows an overview of an exemplary system 4100 according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. A smart communication device (DUT) 4105 needs to undergo diagnosis by software on computer 4103, which may be a standard PC or any other, similar suitable computing device. The system has three modes of operations.

In the first mode, when battery capacity of DUT 4105 is below the power-on threshold, that is, when the user is unable to turn on the device by activating the power switch, a technician first plugs DUT 4105 into iRT (information reading tool) and charger 4101 via cable 4106, which is typically the standard charger cable for the DUT and has a connector at one end that is compatible with the power charging connector on DUT 4105 and at the other end a standard USB connector for connection to iRT charger 4101. Charger 4101 performs a fast charge on the DUT (typically using one of the analog USB charge protocols), drawing power via power cable 4104 from a standard ac power adapter 4107, which adapter 4107 is able to supply a fast charge to the DUT 4105. After DUT 4105 is able to power on and boot its operating system, iRT charger 4101 connects device 4105 to PC 4103 (or some other suitable device, including a possible intermediate USB switch, not shown for clarity) via standard USB cable 4102.

In the second operating mode, DUT 4105 is simply in a power-off state, with the battery above the power-on threshold. In this mode, the technician plugs the device into the charger as described above and waits for the device to turn on and boot its operating system. Then iRT charger 4101 connects device 4105 to PC 4103 via standard USB cables 4102 and 4106 and iRT charger 4101 stands by.

In the third operating mode, DUT 4106 is already powered on. In this mode, the technician plugs device 4105 into iRT charger 4101. The charger then connects the device to the PC as described above.

FIG. 42 shows a simplified view of the interface board 4200 of charger 4101. Outlet 4201 connects to an external wall charger. It has two low dropout (LDO) regulators 4202 and 4203 to create internal supply voltages of, respectively, 3 volts and 5 volts. Typically the voltage of LDO 4202 may be 3.3V, but in some cases it may be 3V. Microchip 4204, such as, for example, PIC16F1782, may be used as a system controller. USB Type A plug 4205 connects to PC 4103, and USB Type A receptacle 4206 connects to DUT 4105. A USB switch 4207, such as, for example, MAX4906, connects the two USB outlets 2405 and 4206. Signals from microcontroller 4204 control switch 4207. Also connected to switch 4207 are a digital potentiometer and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) in Integrated Circuit (IC) 4208, enabling detection of and response to analog charging signals on the USB channel from the DUT plugged into receptacle 4206. The signals are sent to the processor, where software is used to control this charging process, etc. as described below in greater detail. Voltage controller 4208, which may be a dual DAC MCP47A1 or digital potentiometer MCP42xx, can be used to create a controlled voltage and finely adjust the voltage. In some cases, microchip 4204 may be a type that contains an integrated DAC and/or the comparator 4209, etc.

FIG. 43 shows an exemplary overview 4300 of the subroutines in microprocessor 4204, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. In subroutine group 4310, after the power-up housekeeping process 4307, in process 4301 module M1 is initialized. Then in process 4302, module M2 detects the DUT status, that is, whether the DUT is on, off, without battery power, etc. Module M2 then interacts in process 4303 with charging module M3 to charge the DUT, if charging is required. When the device no longer requires charging and is powered up, in process 4304 module M4 attempts to synchronize with the DUT. Group 4310 remains in process 4304 until the DUT is unplugged, when it then returns to process 4301. Group 4311 contains process 4305, a UART interrupt module M5 for interaction with processes 4301 through 4304, to move the processes from one to the next. Also in group 4311 is process 4306, wherein module M6 supplies a timer tick in case of a timer that needs to be serviced, for example, to look at the time-out in certain USB protocols, etc.

FIG. 44 shows an exemplary process 4400 in module M1 as it relates to process 4305 in module M5, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein In step 4401 the system attempts to send a character output. The characters are sent on the USB channel to communicate with the DUT when it starts up. In step 4402 the system checks to verify that the character output can be sent. If Yes, then in step 4403 the system starts with outputting a character from the UART and then ends the process in step 4404. If NO, the process moves directly to step 4404, where is ends.

FIG. 45 shows an exemplary process 4500, detailing the steps of process 4301 in module M1, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. Upon the power-up step 4501, the LED is turned on in step 4502. Then in step 4503 the system executes a reset clear to ensure that all the memory is in a set position and all the outputs except the LED are off. In step 4504, the system checks the start reason to determine if this is a normal start, and which peripherals are connected or not. Then in step 4505 the system is initialized by setting all the parameters in accordance with the findings of step 4504. In step 4506 the WD (watch dog) is reset. If the WD reset occurs, an “a” is sent in step 4507 just as a check to indicate whether the command went through, and then the process moves to step 4508, where the CPU app is started. If the WD reset does not occur, the process moves immediately to step 4508, where the CPU app is started. In step 4509 the system passes control to module M2.

FIG. 46 shows an exemplary process 4600, detailing the steps of process 4302 in module M2, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. In step 4601 the process starts, and in step 4602 an E character is output, just as a check to indicate whether the command went through. In step 4603, the system checks to determine whether the query table is over. If Yes, the process enters fast-charge mode 4604 and then enters charge mode M3 in step 4605. If No, in step 4606 the system attempts to initialize the DUT, and in step 4607 the system checks to determine whether the DUT has reached minimum charge Dp. If Yes, the process moves to step 4608 where it outputs an F character. Then in step 4609 it waits for the response, a g character. If no, the process moves to step 4610, where the system outputs an F character and then in step 4611 sets the USB to a specific setting for an analog charge. Then in step 4612 the system outputs a G character. At the end of the process 4605, the system moves to charger module M3.

FIG. 47 shows an exemplary process 4700 for the subsection M2-1, which is a branch of the original module M2, discussed above. Process 4700 attempts to determine whether a DUT is connected. It executes continuous loops, with delays, in seeking to make a connection. In step 4701 the system tries to detect a DUT is connected. Upon detection, in step 4702 the system outputs a 3 character and connects to the 5V power source. In step 4703 the system checks the 5V connection and prepares the analog-to-digital converter (ADC). In step 4704 the system sends a 4 character and continues to seek a response. In step 4705 it reads the ADC value to see the load. In 4706 it checks the load value to see a clear voltage drop, which indicates a load. If there is no drop, it branches to step 4707, starts a delay and retries to connect to a device. If it sees a drop, it goes to break 4708 and then continues to M2_2, starting in FIG. 48.

FIG. 48 shows exemplary process 4800 for subsection M2-2, which is a branch of the original module M2, discussed above. (M2-1 and M2-2 both belong to M2.)

At step 4801 the system starts the D+ signal for data transmission on the USB port, and then in step 4802 it outputs an 8 character onto the USB channel. In step 4803 the system disconnects the D+ and D− signals and the 5V line and starts a 300 millisecond (ms) delay. In step 4804 the system powers on again and then outputs a 9 character. In step 4805 the system checks the D+ signal and prepares the ADC. In step 4806 it reads the ADC value, and it outputs an A character in step 4807. In step 4808 the system determines whether the ADC value is greater than 2450, that is, 2.4 A of charge current (ADC value for mode switch). If the charge current is not greater than 2450, the process moves to step 4810, where the system outputs a D character and returns a FALSE value, meaning the DUT is not connected. If the charge current is greater than 2450, in step 4809 the system outputs a C character and returns a TRUE value, meaning a device is connected. After either step, 4809 or 4810, the process moves to step 4811, where a B character is output. Characters are output to a debugging log via UART port.

FIG. 49 shows an exemplary process 4900, detailing the steps of process 4303 in module M3, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. In step 4901 module M3, the charging module, starts. In step 4902 the subroutine initializes. In step 4930, the system seeks a query table. If no query table is found, the process moves to step 4912, where it outputs a zero and executes a break. After the break, it moves to step 4913 where it charges the DUT. If, in step 4930, a query table is found, it continues to step 4903 to read the USB value. In step 4904, the test may be delayed. In step 4905, it checks to see if the DUT is disconnected. If yes, it moves to step 4913, where it charges the DUT. If there is no disconnect, in step 4906 a b character is output, and in step 4907 the system detects current. In step 4908 it checks to determine if the current is maximum tested. In step 4910 the system checks to see whether the DUT current is greater than the defined current Then in step 4911 if the DUT current exceeds the defined current, the process loops back to step 4930; while if the DUT current does not exceed the defined current, it moves to step 4911, where the index is received and a “d” is sent back. Once the charge in 4913 is finished, the system will in step 4914 to output a “K” then on top initialize the device in step 4915. In steps 4916 and 17 it will continuously red the fastIndex, then with a delay 4918 it will go on to a loop consisting of 4919, 4920, 4921 and 4922, where after checking the outcome of the charging it will disconnect the device in 4922. If it was successful, it will proceed to 4923 and output an “H”, if not it will proceed to 4924 and output an “N”. In both cases the charging is now terminated.

FIG. 50 shows an exemplary process 5000, detailing the steps of process 4304 in module M4, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. In step 5001 module M4, the sync module, starts. In step 5002 the system outputs a P character and disconnects the D+ and D− signals and the 5V current. In step 5003, an I character is output, and in step 5004 the system connects the D+ and D− signals and the 5V current to computing device 4103. In step 5005 a Q character is output, and in step 5006 the device connected will be initialized. In step 5007 the power status of the DUT is checked. In step 5008, the system disconnects if the charging of the DUT has not ended and the process loops back to step 5007 to again check the power status. When the system determines, in step 5008, that the DUT has completed, the process moves to step 5009, where it ends.

FIG. 51 shows an exemplary process 5100, detailing the steps of process 4305 in module M5, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. In step 5101 module M5, the UART module, starts. In step 5102 the system determines whether incoming data is ready. If No, the process moves directly to step 5107, where it ends. If Yes, the process continues to step 5104, where the system checks to see if bit 0 is a 1. If Yes, it moves to step 5106, where the bit 0 value is saved to g_uart_hi_byte. If the bit 0 value is not 1 (No), in step 5105 the value is saved to g_uart_lo_byte. In either case, after the bit value is saved, the process ends in step 5107.

FIG. 52 shows an exemplary process 5200, detailing the steps of process 4306 in module M6, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. In step 5201 module M6, the timer module, starts. In step 5202 the LED status is updated. In step 5203, the process ends.

FIG. 53 shows an exemplary process 5300, for use as initialization procedure according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein, as shown as second part in module M1 4301. This procedure, composed of steps 5301 thru 5309, initializes testing and communication parameters.

A system for testing and reprogramming mobile communication devices, such as, for example, cellular phone, tablets, etc., enables parallel connection of a large number of devices via, typically, USB cable, to connectors in the system box, with indicator lights for communicating to an operator the device status and readiness. Further, in such a system only one step is required to charge the device to an operational state, without operator interaction.

In addition, the system uses different sequences to test, verify, securely delete content, and reprogram devices. The system can then analyze problems such as, for example, bricked devices, dead batteries, and unprogrammable and unstable devices, and collect information about the quality of devices based on their different sources. In addition, the system can collect data about the efficiency of the operators connecting and removing devices at any one system box, or about operators at multiple systems in one testing facility. The system can then communicate its collected data to a central server.

FIG. 54 shows an overview of an exemplary test system 5400, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. A computer 5401 is, typically, dedicated to a test bench. Screen 5402 shows status tiles 5403 a-n. Computer 5401 may be connected to network 5406, as indicated by connection 5405. Computer 5401 also is running software and applications 5404 a-n, as discussed throughout. USB link 5410 connects hub 5411 to computer 5401. USB cables 5414 a-n connect hub 5411 to devices 5414 a-n, which devices are being reprogrammed, tested, etc. Power supply 5412 connects to power source line 5413. It is clear that computer 5401 also has access to power. Also, in some cases, when computer 5401 is serving two 21-port hubs and or two work platforms (using the optional second monitor) simultaneously, a second monitor 5422 is connected to computer 5401 to display additional statuses 5423 a-n.

FIG. 55 shows an exemplary process 5500 of a typical workflow, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. As each device enters a testing and repair facility in step 5501, it typically undergoes a visual inspection and is recorded in data repository 5514. In step 5502 the system tests the device to determine whether it is dead. If yes (+), it goes to a charging station 5503, where the device is charged at a charging station Unit A 5504. When the device reaches a certain charge level, it moves (or is moved by an operator) to step 5505, where its charge status is determined. If the device is still not charged (+), it goes to the “bad” bin 5506. If the device is charged sufficiently to operate (−), it moves to step 5507, where the system records the identification and other specifications, such as, for example, memory size and type, of the device now connected to information reader Unit B 5508. That Unit B then sends this information to data repository 5514. In step 5509 the device is connected to Unit C 5511, which removes user data and all user installed apps from the device. Depending on the customer's security measures and the nature of the data, removing the data may require multiple overwrites to ensure that no data remains, as well as logging the process on data base 5514 for documentation purposes and certifications. In those cases a simple “delete” does not suffice. In step 5510 the device is reflashed. In some cases parts of the operating system are then updated; and in yet other cases, other programs on the device may be replaced or updated. In step 5512 the system does a final quick check of the functionality of the device and, if the system determines that the device is good (+), the system sends the device status to data repository 5514 and the device is deposited into and instance of “good” bin 5513 a-n. If the device does not pass the check of step 5512, it moves to bad bin 5506.

FIG. 56 shows a lateral view of an exemplary new testing, charging, and reprogramming unit 5600, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. The intention is to be able to perform all steps on one unit rather than on three, as is typical today, and thus simplify the workflow. Use of unit 5600 also reduces the number of manual interactions, thus improving workforce efficiency. The novel unit 5600 has a smooth top 5607 on which devices or trays of devices may be placed, which will be discussed later. On both ends are venting features 5603 a-n and 5604 a-n (not shown) that enable cross flow of air from front to back or back to front, as desired. On one side are connectors and indicators 5605 a-n and 5606 a-n; in some cases more connectors and indicators 5608 a-n and 5609 a-n are on the other side (not shown). In some cases connectors are on top and indicators on the bottom row, while in other cases this order is inverted. Also present but not shown are power and network connections as needed for connecting the unit to the rest of the system, including, but not limited to, data repository 5514. Since all the data is collected and made available to an MIS system (not shown), many measurements can be obtained, such as, for example the average time for a device to clear the system, which data may be organized by its source, thus enabling determination of quality differences. Also, percentage of dead devices, operator performance, etc., can be obtained by proper analysis of the data collected. By omitting intermediate manual steps, human error can be drastically reduced. Typically unit 5600 contains multiple hubs that can distribute USB connections for, typically, up to 42 devices per unit. In some cases unit 5600 may have a USB cable going to an industrial computer feeding the unit, similar to previous approaches; in other cases, a motherboard may be integrated separately, or the USB ports may be integrated onto the motherboard or a secondary board, inside the unit. In those later cases, often a hard drive or other suitable non volatile data storage unit may also be integrated to store all the data and programs, including the operating system, needed for operation.

FIG. 57 shows a side view of unit 5600. On the surface is exemplary tray 5700, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. Two small guides 5701 and 5702 secure tray 5700 in a saddle on top of unit 5600. Tray 5700 may have partitions, such as, for example, 5703 and 5704 a-n. In this example the partitioning provides for half side on each side and may have different sizes of slots and short cables 5705 a-n going to connectors on the side of unit 5600. Under the cables are typically LED indicators, so, in addition to a screen that may or may not be connected, each port has a small LED indicator showing the status of the device attached to that port. Typically red and green LEDs may be used separately or in combination to produce yellow or black, to indicate four different states. Additional information may be indicated by blinks or varying blink speeds of the LEDs. States communicated by the indicators may include, for example, successful (steady green LED), failed (steady red), in process (yellow), starting or shutting down (blinking yellow), etc. Spacing of the partitions must match to some degree the spacing of the connectors below each partition, to limit cable entanglement, and also, there must be enough room for each device to stand up, typically on its side. Typical spacing would be approximately one inch (including partitions), to accommodate a standard smart phone. In some cases, nonstandard layouts may be offered, to be discussed below.

FIG. 58 shows a schematic view of typical seven-port USB hub 5800. Hub chips 5810 and 5811 are, typically, daisy chained. Thus with two chips, each of which have four ports, the hub can offer seven external ports, with chip 5810 using one port to connect to chip 5811. External connectors include Input 5801 and the seven external USB ports 5802 a-c and 5803 d-g. Power supply 5804 may be, typically, a plug-in or a central type PSU.

FIG. 59 shows a schematic view of an exemplary hub system 5900, according to one aspect of the system and method disclosed herein. Hub system 5900 is composed of existing, off-the-shelf secondary hubs. Secondary hubs 5902 b, c, and d are connected to the primary ports of hub 5902 a. This approach reduces the number of levels of the whole system, an important design consideration due to the fact that many types of software do not operate more than three or four levels deep within a system. Adding the root hub in the system and adding the fact that many current smart phones present themselves as internal hubs for various modes and data access types, the number of levels in the system is a concern. In this example, wall plugs 5904 a-n of hubs 5902 a-n plug into power strip 5905. LED controller 5908 also plugs into power strip 5905. Controller 5908 controls LEDs 5903 that are mounted above or below the ports on the side of unit 5600 (not shown here). The software in the main system coordinates the transactions and the statuses displayed by the indicators. Essentially, the LEDs mirror the information shown on screen 5402 for the various ports, making it easier for an operator to correlate information, instead of having to count, look up port IDs, etc. The 24 ports 5901 on one side may, for a double-sided unit, be duplicated on the other side, with two connections going to a motherboard in a server. In some cases, rather than using standard hubs, a special board can be made, eliminating the need for the short jump cables 5910 a-n that connect the hubs to the ports 5901.

FIG. 60 is a view of an exemplary USB cable unit 6000, showing a typical design of cables 5910 a-n. Unit 6000 has a USB connector 6001, a female port 6002, and latches or loops 6003 a and 6003 b, for attaching connector 6002 to the interior of unit 5600. This design simplifies removing and replacing worn or defective cables as required, on an individual basis.

FIG. 61 shows three alternative configurations of tray 5700. Configuration 6101 has two tracks 6103 a, b. Dotted lines 6102 a, b indicate the alignment rails that are used to secure the tray on top of unit 5600. Configuration 6110 has extra-wide overlapped wings 6113 a, b to accommodate larger devices (5 to 8 inches) such as, for example, a small tablet or a large phone. Configuration 6120 has just one set of tracks 6123 across the tray for even larger devices such as, for example, tablets in the 8-inch to 15-inch range.

FIG. 62 shows an overview of an exemplary multi-device tower 6200, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In this exemplary embodiment, compartments 6201 a-n are adapted to receive and retain a variety of mobile devices such as, for example, smartphones, tablet computers, “phablets” (which refer to mobile devices that are a combination of smartphone and tablet computers) and other mobile devices. Compartments 6201 a-n/6202 a-n may be sized and adapted to accommodate computing devices of any size, shape, and configuration, including larger mobile devices such as laptops, desktop computers, digital cameras, gaming stations, and other devices. In the exemplary system 6200 shown in FIG. 62, for example, the upper compartments (6201 a-n) are sized for smaller mobile computing devices (such as smartphones), while the lower compartments (6202 a-n) are sized for larger mobile computing devices (such as tablets and phablets).

Computer storage area 6203 holds control system 6204, in addition to a label printer and cabling, not shown, which are discussed in more detail in the description of FIG. 64, below. Cables 6205 a-n connect to a standard ac power source and a high-speed network, typically an Ethernet connection for a local area network (LAN) with a router/modem connecting to the Internet. In some cases, rather than using a LAN cable, the system may be connected via a Wi-Fi connection (not shown) or any other, similar suitable connection.

FIG. 63 shows a detailed image of an exemplary device drawer/compartment 6300. Although referred to herein as a “drawer,” drawer 6300 may comprise a variety of structures. For example, the drawer 6300 may include a retractable tray or box similar to that shown, for example, in FIG. 57 for receiving an retaining a mobile computing device. In the example shown in FIG. 63, a mobile computing device 6304 (also referred to herein as a “mobile device” or simply a “device”) may be inserted into drawer 6301, and plugged into one or more of the connectors 6303 a-n. Any number and type of different connectors may be included in each compartment 6201/6202, and the connector(s) in one compartment need not be the same as the connector(s) in a different compartment. In some embodiments, each respective compartment 6201/6202 includes a plurality of different connectors, with each connector adapted to connect to a different type of connection port on a mobile device. Exemplary connectors may include connectors for APPLE LIGHTNING, USB, micro USB, APPLE 32-pin connections, APPLE 30-pin connections, as well as other types of dock connectors and device cables. Internal wiring enables cables 6303 a-n to connect to one or more ports (not shown) inside the drawer (such as USB ports), and said USB ports may be wired or coupled internally (also not shown) to processor 6404 of the control system 6204 as discussed further below.

After the device is inserted and connected, the front cover/door 6302 may be closed. In some embodiments, door 6302 may be lockable, such as via an electronic lock that is controlled via the control system 6204. Additionally, the opening and closing of a particular door 6302 may be automatically controlled by the control system 6204. Also, the number of drawers/compartments 6300 and their distribution may vary in different cases, without impacting the system services performed.

FIG. 64 shows a block drawing of an exemplary mobile device transfer system 6400, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In this example, multi-device tower 6401 houses the control system 6404 which includes device processing hardware and software. In other embodiments, control system 6404 may be located separately from the tower 6401, but in communication with the tower 6401 via one or more cables or other communication links.

Device drawers/compartments 6402 a-n are described in detail in the discussion of the drawer/compartment 6300 in FIG. 63, and each compartment is adapted to retain and receive at least one mobile computing device 6403, as described in the discussion of FIG. 62. Control system 6404 includes a processor, memory, user interface, and other components (such as illustrated for computer system 700 in FIG. 7). Control system 6404 may perform various functionality (including the functionality described for test system 5400 in FIG. 54, described above) via the processor of the control system 6404 executing instructions stored in the memory of the control system 6404.

Control system 6404 may determine whether a handset is registered as lost or stolen, and hence can not legally be re-activated, etc. Depending on the jurisdiction, the OEM, and the carrier(s) involved, one or more such databases (such as databases implemented via external cloud storage 6412 a-n) may be queried to determine whether a device was reported lost or stolen.

Multi-device transfer tower 6401 may comprise a user interface that includes a variety of different user-interface components, such as one or more input devices (not shown) to receive commands, data, and other suitable input. The user interface may also include any number of output devices (not shown) to provides a user with data, notifications, and other information. Typical I/O devices may include mice, keyboards, modems, network interfaces, printers, scanners, video cameras and other devices.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 64, the user interface of the tower 6401 includes a printing device 6406 that is coupled to control system 6404. In some embodiments, the control system 6404 can analyze data received or retrieved from a mobile device electrically coupled to the control system 6404 via a connector 6303 in one of the compartments 6300. Based on the analysis of the mobile device data, the control system 6404 may identify one or more characteristics of the mobile device (such as the device manufacturer, model number, serial number, identifiers associated with the owner/user of the mobile device, operating system information, application information, and other data) and print the characteristic(s) on a label. The label can then be affixed to the device itself and/or a shipping container for shipping the mobile device to, for example, a carrier who will recondition and resell the device.

Exemplary connection 6405 x is one of multiple connections (though only one connection is shown in FIG. 64 for purposes of clarity and simplicity) from computer 6404 to drawers/compartments 6402 a-n. RAID storage unit 6407 is extended intermediate secure, redundant storage for user data that may take a longer time to transfer into one or more of the respective cloud accounts of said user. The content of each device 6408 a-n may be stored in an encrypted temporary location in said storage unit 6407, from which it may be sent to the designated cloud service of the customer. Storage 6409 contains software support services 6410 a-n, which may comprise, for example, system vendor support, lost or stolen device identification, device information retrieval system (to determine such things as original issuing carrier), whether device is carrier locked, amount of memory and other model characteristics, retrieval of user data into local and cloud storage (including, but not limited to, address book(s), messages, mail and mail accounts, pictures, videos, music, voice recordings and any other media) as well as secure removal of user data and a new image/PRL programming, etc. to be installed on the phone based on its re-use after the digital cleanup. Also contained are, in some cases, software to interact with carrier logistics and destination management 6413, and in some cases with shipping carriers 6417 a-n, etc. In yet other cases, a lost or stolen check may be included as well. Further, in some cases, one additional software can obtain market pricing for a particular handset and its quality status (for example, rated A, B or C based on mechanical appearance and battery health), enabling, in near real-time, determination of market value for making buy-back offers to owners at the point of collection. Through Internet 6411 the system can access external cloud storage 6412 a-n such as, for example, the APPLE ICLOUD, GOOGLE G-DRIVE, OEM CLOUD NETWORK (OCN) such as SAMSUNG CLOUD HTC, or CARRIER CLOUD NETWORK (CCN) such as VERIZON CLOUD storage.

The control system 6404 may interface with a carrier logistics and destination management repository 6413 to determine which carrier(s) to ship various mobile devices turned into the transfer tower 6401. The control system may identify a carrier based on the model, type, quality, or other characteristic(s) of a mobile device. Also shown is exemplary carrier desk 6415, which has skilled logistics workers and or algorithms (at carrier, not shown) to most efficiently dispose of refurbished handsets based on the quality ratings and current market pricing, needs internally etc. Connection 6414 connects carrier desk 6515 to carrier logistics and destination management 6413, and wi-fi connection 6416 a-n connects destination management 6413 to shipping carriers 6417 a-n, such as, for example, USP, FedEx, OnTrac, etc Arrows 6418 a-n show how devices are sorted into high-grade devices, which are in pristine conditions, ready to kit and ship; medium-grade devices, in good condition, but need some cosmetic improvements; and low-grade devices, in poor condition, but have salvageable parts. In some cases, kitting may happen at allocation, in others, a mobile service vehicle may be used to service multiple locations in a region, reducing labor costs to the store.

The tower 6400 may further include a charging module as disclosed in FIG. 41 and described above. In one embodiment, the charging module charges the battery of the mobile device for a predetermined period of time and/or until the battery is charged above a predetermined threshold. Among other things, this allows the system to determine whether the battery is inoperable (i.e., cannot hold a charge) and to charge the mobile device battery to a level where the device is operable to perform the configuration of the device. Once the battery is charged above a predetermined threshold, the charging module may transmit a signal to the mobile computing device, via the connector attached to the device, to activate the device.

FIG. 65 shows an exemplary process 6500 for implementation via the system 6400 in FIG. 64 for processing a mobile device brought in by a user to be turned in. Process 6500 may be implemented (in whole or in part) with any other functionality described in the present application. Some or all of such functionality may be performed by the control system 6404, such as via a processor of the control system 6404 executing instructions stored in the memory of the control system 6404.

Method 6500 includes detecting electrical coupling of the mobile device to the control system 6404 (6505), retrieving data from the mobile device (6510), analyzing the retrieved data (6515), configuring the mobile device (6520), query one or more databases (6525), interfacing with a digital camera (6530), and presenting information via a user interface (6535),

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be utilized in stores or other venues where mobile devices are sold. A customer can bring in an old device to trade in the device for cash or credit. A user of the mobile device transfer system 6400, such as customer service representative (CSR) may greet the customer, launches the system app on his tablet, and inputs customer ticket information, including the customer's email for notifications and receipts. The CSR or the system may then designates a device drawer/compartment 6402 number. The CSR may then place the device into the appropriate tower drawer and connects it using one or more of the connectors 6303 in the compartment 6300.

The control system 6404 detects the electrical coupling of the mobile device to the control system (6505) through the connector(s) and retrieves data (6510) from the connected mobile device. The control system 6404 may analyzes (6515) the data from the mobile device in a variety of different ways. For example, the control system 6404 may check to see if the device is lost/stolen, as well as to verify its activation readiness. For example, the control system 6404 may analyze the mobile device to identify an identifying characteristic of the device, such it's manufacturer, model number, serial number, operating system version, name of the user/operator, etc. Based on the identifier, the control system 6404 may query a database (6525) over a network (such as network 6409) to determine whether the mobile device is reported lost or stolen. Results of the database query can then be presented (6535) via a user interface, such as by displaying the results on a display screen.

The control system 6404 may also present (6535) characteristics of the mobile device identified from the received data via other user interface components, such as printer 6406. For example, characteristics of the device (such as its manufacturer and model number) may be printed on labels affixable to the mobile device and/or to shipping containers for shipping the mobile devices to various carriers that will salvage or recondition the device.

The characteristics identified from data received from a mobile device may also be used by the control system 6404 to properly configure (6520) the device. For example, configuration (6520) of the device may include storing content (e.g., 6408) from the mobile device in a data repository (e.g., 6407) and erasing the content from the mobile computing device. Storing such content may include encrypting the stored content as well. After the system completes device erasure, the system may print a device label for disposition (e.g., shipment to a carrier) of the mobile device. The system may also send a content erasure confirmation receipt to the customer's email address. In some cases, erasing the content from the mobile device may include performing multiple overwrites of the mobile device's memory to help ensure none of the customer's data can be surreptitiously retrieved. Based on the identified characteristics of the mobile device, the system may install (and update) an operating system and/or one or more applications on the mobile device. In this manner, the system can quickly ensure the mobile device only contains a predetermined software configuration when it is presented to a carrier or another user.

Embodiments of the disclosure may also be used to upload the saved content to a customers new (e.g., upgraded) device. For example, the system may store the old device's phonebook information and all the other content into a temporary encrypted file on the tower's internal data storage unit and push the stored content to the customer account on the carrier cloud network. After the system completes processing of the old device, the CSR's tablet may receive a prompt to load the stored phonebook and other information into the customer's new device. The system also sends a content erasure confirmation receipt to the customer's email address, with a link to the carrier cloud network account and a receipt detailing the device erasure and content transfer operation details. Also, in some cases, for cross-carrier trade-ins, or for owner's preference, a backing up media contents can be made into a USB thumb drive.

Configuration of the device (6520) may also include sending various signals to control the operation of the device. For example, the control system 6404 may transmit a signal to a connected mobile computing device (via it's respective connector) to cause the mobile computing device to enter a debugging mode. Among other things, putting a mobile device in debugging mode may help in installing/removing various applications and functionality in the device.

Data from multiple mobile devices may be retrieved (6510) and analyzed (6515) to determine various statistics associated with the mobile devices. Such statistics may be presented (6535) to the user via the user interface of the transfer system 6400, as well as via electronic communications (e.g., email, short message service, multi-media service, etc.) to another system or party. For example, the control system 6404 may determine, based on diagnostic data for a plurality of mobile devices turned in to a transfer station, the percentage of inoperable mobile devices turned in. This percentage could then be compared to the percentage of inoperable devices turned in at other transfer stations.

Any other desired statistics may also be determined. For example, the data retrieved (6510) from the mobile device may include diagnostic data for one or more components in the mobile device, such as the device's processor, memory, transceiver, and the like. Analysis of the data (6515) in such cases may include determining a statistic such as a quality rating for the mobile device component and/or for the overall device itself. Such ratings may use any format and scale, such as a letter grade (A, B, C, D, or F), a numeric ranking, or other scale. In this manner, embodiments of the present disclosure can present quality ratings for individual devices to help in valuing such devices (e.g., for purposes of customer trade-ins and for sale to carriers and other parties) as well as for the individual components of such devices to allow users of the system (and third parties) to identify salvageable components from an otherwise inoperable device. For example, a mobile device with a broken/inoperable screen could still contain otherwise useful/operable components.

Additionally, the destination of a mobile device (i.e., printed on a shipping label) may be determined based on the quality/condition rating of the device. For example, some vendors or carriers may only accept devices with relatively high ratings, while other vendors (perhaps those that salvage devices for parts) may accept devices with a much lower ratings. The system can thus automatically route individual devices to their appropriate source to maximize the value received for each device.

The control system 6404 may also automatically determine a value of the mobile device or one or more individual components of the mobile device based on a quality/condition rating assigned to the device based on diagnostic data from the device. This value may be presented to users of the system, as well as the customer presenting the mobile device, during the process of turning in the mobile device by the customer. The value of the mobile device may be based on a variety of factors, including current-market valuations retrieved by the control system 6404 over network 6409. In some cases, the value of the device may be based on the aggregate sum of the value of individual components of the device, thereby allowing the system to accurately value a device that will be salvaged for replacement parts in contrast to being reconditioned and resold.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in conjunction with any desired systems, devices, and components. In some exemplary embodiments, control system 6404 is in communication with one or more digital cameras 6420. The control system 6404 may be configured to control the operation of the digital camera 6420, or to simply receive images from the camera 6420. In such embodiments, the control system 6404 may be adapted to interface with the camera 6420 to receive an image of a mobile computing device being deposited in the tower 6401, perform an image recognition analysis on the image to identify one or more features of the device (e.g., the screen or casing of a smartphone), analyze the identified feature, and assign a condition rating to the identified feature based on the analysis of the feature.

Images of a mobile device may thus be used in conjunction with the diagnostic data from the mobile device (described above) to determine condition/quality ratings for the device, as well as device valuations. Among other things, this allows embodiments of the disclosure to determine an objective evaluation of the physical appearance of the device. Defects such as cracks, missing paint, dents, deformities, missing components, and the like can thus be accurately identified and given the same weighting across all processed devices instead of relying on the subjective opinion of individual CSRs evaluating the physical appearance of a device. In some embodiments, a single digital camera may be used in conjunction with a tower 6401, and images of the device may be taken from different angles. In other embodiments, each respective compartment 6402 may include one or more cameras (and appropriate lighting) to capture images of the device at different angles in conjunction with the device being deposited in the compartment 6402.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be utilized in conjunction with various customer agreements that dictate the processing of a mobile device inserted in a compartment of the transfer station system 6400. For example, the customer may be required to indicate (e.g., via a tablet operated by the CSR that is in wireless communication with the control system 6404) agreement or disagreement with the determined valuation of the customer's mobile device. If the customer disagrees, the CSR (or the system automatically) may open the device drawer/compartment and return the device to the customer. If the customer agrees with device valuation then the customer may use the CSR's tablet to sign an agreement with terms and conditions about content transfer and content erasure liability. The system may send an agreement notification from the CSR's tablet to the tower's control system 6404 to allow the control system to configure the device (6520).

Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations thereof. Methods of the present disclosure can be implemented via a computer program instructions stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage devices for execution by a processor. Likewise, various processes (or portions thereof) of the present disclosure can be performed by a processor executing computer program instructions. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented via one or more computer programs that are executable on a computer system including at least one processor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. Each computer program can be implemented in any suitable manner, including via a high-level procedural or object-oriented programming language and/or via assembly or machine language. Systems of the present disclosure may include, by way of example, microprocessors which may retrieve instructions and data to and from various types of volatile and/or non-volatile memory. Computer systems operating in conjunction with the embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more mass storage devices for storing data files, which may include: magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and optical disks. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data (also called the “non-transitory computer-readable storage media”) include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM disks. Any of the foregoing can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits) and other forms of hardware.

In some cases, a system for testing and reprogramming mobile communication devices, such as, for example, cellular phone, tablets, etc., may enable parallel connection of a large number of devices via, typically, USB cables, to connectors in the system box, with indicator lights for communicating to an operator the device status and readiness. Further, in such a system only one step may be required to charge the device to an operational state, without operator interaction.

In other cases, a system for testing and reprogramming mobile communication devices may enable parallel connection of a large number of devices to connectors in the system box, with the system using different sequences to test, verify, securely delete content, and reprogram devices. Further, the system analyzes problems such as, for example, bricked devices, dead batteries, and unprogrammable and unstable devices, and collects information about of the quality of devices based on their different sources. In addition, the system may collect data about the efficiency of the operators connecting and removing devices at any one system box, or about operators at multiple systems in one testing facility. The system may then communicate its collected data to a central server.

In some cases, a system may include with a computer containing software for processing both data and programs on mobile devices. Further, the system may perform a quick evaluation of said mobile device and where feasible, may determine the current commercial value of the mobile device based on make, model, physical condition and other parameters associated with device. Additionally the system includes a tower containing a number of lockable compartments connected to the computer. Each compartment can receive a mobile device, and an application on a mobile device, such as a tablet, of an authorized user can lock the compartment so the device in the compartment can be tested for certain parameters. After a successful test, the system makes an offer to the device owner, and upon legally binding electronic acceptance of the offer, the system locks the drawer of the owner's device and back up into secure local storage the owner's data as needed, with determination of the need based on questions presented to the owner during or immediately after the presentation and/or acceptance of the offer. Then the owner's address book is processed, so it is available as quickly as possible so the owner can then transfer it to a new device without undue delay. Subsequently, large bulk data can be transferred in a throttled mode, on a first-come, first-serve manner. Additionally, the system makes provisions for the onward disposition logistics of the owner's device, based on information supplied by or in conjunction with the entity taking possession of the device.

Changes and modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure, as expressed in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a body having a plurality of compartments, wherein each respective compartment is adapted to receive and retain a respective mobile computing device, and wherein each respective compartment includes a respective connector for electrically coupling to the respective mobile computing device; and a control system comprising: a processor; and memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the control system to automatically: detect electrical coupling, to the control system, of a first mobile computing device retained in a first compartment of the body via a first connector in the first compartment; retrieve data from the first mobile computing device via the first connector; analyze the retrieved data; and configure the first mobile computing device based on the analysis of the retrieved data, wherein configuring the first mobile computing device includes: storing content from the first mobile computing device in a data repository in communication with the control system; and erasing the content from the first mobile computing device.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a charging module adapted to: charge a battery of the first mobile computing device via the first connector for a predetermined period of time; determine the battery of the first mobile computing device is charged above a predetermined threshold; and in response to determining that the battery of the first mobile computing device is charged above a predetermined threshold, transmit a signal to the first mobile computing device, via the first connector, to automatically activate the first mobile computing device.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein erasing the content from the first mobile computing device includes performing multiple overwrites of a memory of the first mobile computing device.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein analyzing the retrieved data includes identifying a characteristic of the first mobile computing device, and wherein configuring the first mobile computing device based on the analysis of the retrieved data includes installing on the first mobile computing device, based on the identified characteristic of the first mobile computing device, one or more of an operating system and an application.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the control system further includes a user interface in communication with the processor, and the memory stores instructions to cause the control system to: retrieve data from a plurality of mobile computing devices retained in a respective plurality of compartments via the respective connector for each compartment; analyze the data from the plurality of mobile computing devices to determine a statistic associated with the plurality of mobile computing devices; and present the statistic via the user interface.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the data from the plurality of mobile computing devices includes diagnostic data for one or more components in each respective mobile computing device, and wherein determining the statistic associated with the plurality of mobile computing devices includes determining a respective quality rating for each mobile computing device based on the respective diagnostic data for each mobile computing device.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein determining the statistic associated with the plurality of mobile computing devices includes determining a percentage of inoperable mobile computing devices in the plurality of mobile computing devices.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein each compartment comprises a lockable door controlled via the control system.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein each respective compartment comprises a retractable drawer for receiving and retaining each respective mobile computing device.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein each respective compartment comprises a respective plurality of connectors, and wherein each connector in the respective plurality of connectors is adapted to connect to a different type of connection port on the respective mobile computing device.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the control system further includes a user interface comprising a printing device in communication with the processor, and the memory stores instructions to cause the control system to: analyze the retrieved data to identify a characteristic of the first mobile computing device; and send a signal to the printing device to print the identified characteristic of the first mobile computing device on a label affixable to one or more of: the first mobile computing device and a container for shipping the first mobile computing device.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the control system is coupled to a network and a user interface, wherein analyzing the retrieved data from the first mobile computing device includes determining an identifier associated with the first mobile computing device, and wherein the memory further stores instructions to cause the control system to: query one or more databases, over the network and using the determined identifier, to determine whether the first mobile computing device is reported lost or stolen; and display a result of the query to determine whether the first mobile computing device is reported lost or stolen via the user interface.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein storing the content from the first mobile computing device in the data repository includes encrypting the stored content.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the control system is in communication with a user interface, and wherein analyzing the retrieved data from the first mobile computing device includes: identifying diagnostic information in the retrieved data; assigning a condition rating to the first mobile computing device based on the diagnostic information in the retrieved data; determining, based on the condition rating, a value of the mobile computing device; and presenting the determined value for the first mobile computing device via the user interface.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the diagnostic information includes information on at least one hardware component in the first mobile computing device, and wherein determining the value of the first mobile computing device includes determining a value for the at least one hardware component.
 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the control system further includes a user interface comprising a printing device in communication with the processor, and the memory stores instructions to cause the control system to: send a signal to the printing device to print a shipping destination on a shipping label for shipping the first mobile computing device, wherein the shipping destination is determined based on the condition rating for the first mobile computing device.
 17. The system of claim 1, further comprising a digital camera in communication with the control system, wherein the memory further stores instructions to cause the control system to interface with the digital camera, comprising: receiving an image of the first mobile computing device from the digital camera; performing an image recognition analysis on the received image to identify a feature of the first mobile computing device; analyzing the feature of the first mobile computing device; and assigning a condition rating to the identified feature based on the analysis of the feature.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the memory further stores instructions to cause the control system to instruct the digital camera to capture the image of the first mobile computing device.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein each respective compartment includes a respective digital camera for capturing an image of the respective mobile computing device retained within each respective compartment.
 20. The system of claim 1, wherein configuring the first mobile device includes transmitting a signal to the first mobile computing device, via the first connector, to cause the first mobile computing device to enter a debugging mode. 